Maharashtra: Dog stuck in tar rescued by firemen in Kharghar

NAVI MUMBAI: A local community dog, which got stuck in molten tar at Kharghar sector 21 in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, for a couple of hours was rescued by the Kharghar fire station personnel.
"A few animal lovers informed the fire brigade late on Tuesday night that the dog was stuck in a small cavity by the roadside in Kharghar near Om Navjeevan Hospital in sector 21.Our fire team, led by senior fireman RH Balmiki and assisted by K Tandel, B Unavane and Pravin D, went to the spot and carefully rescued the dog," said a fire official at Kharghar fire station.
Kharghar-based animal activist Umesh Bagade told TOI: "The dog was looking terrified after getting stuck inside that roadside hole which was partially filled with molten tar. We suspect that someone may have pushed the animal into it. However, we would like to thank all the firemen of Kharghar fire station for promptly responding to the citizens' call to save the dog."
Bagade further added: "The firemen had to first calm down the dog, who was nervously howling. Once the dog became calm, the fire officials gently managed to remove the dog from the spot. All the local residents were happy and thanked the fire officials for this job well done."
He informed that since some tar is still visible on the rescued dog's body, they are trying to apply vegetable oil on the affected skin in order to remove it.
Several local residents also regularly feed the dogs and cats in Kharghar node out of compassion. Many local community dogs have also been vaccinated in order to ensure that they stay healthy.
The activists have reiterated that it is illegal to physically hurt any animal, as such offenders can be booked under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.