New Delhi:
An elderly couple residing in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, entrusted their beloved dog, Milo, to a Noida-based pet boarding facility before embarking on a journey to Vadodara to visit their son. Unbeknownst to them, this would mark the last time they would lay eyes on their cherished companion. Tragically, Milo has passed away, and a horrifying video capturing two individuals on a motorbike dragging him by the leash will forever haunt the family’s memories of him.
Nivedita Ghosh has taken the step of filing a police complaint against Swati Sharma, the owner of the pet boarding facility, Paw’s Point, alleging severe negligence in the care provided to Milo. According to the Ghosh family, a day prior to their return to Delhi, Ms. Sharma reached out with an offer for a complimentary grooming session for Milo, to which Ms. Ghosh readily agreed. However, the following day, upon their return, they received another distressing call from Ms. Sharma, informing them that Milo had allegedly run away while being transported back to the pet boarding after his grooming appointment.
Desperate to find their missing pet, the family quickly arrived at the location in Noida’s Sector 119 where Milo had disappeared and began a frantic search. When their efforts proved fruitless, they opted to file a police complaint, prompting an FIR against Ms. Sharma under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. As local residents were questioned and CCTV footage from the area was reviewed, a shocking video surfaced. This footage depicted two individuals on a motorcycle dragging Milo by the leash, sparking outrage from the grieving family, who believe one of the individuals may have been affiliated with the pet boarding facility. They allege that Milo was forced to run alongside the bike and that during this ordeal, he broke free and fled, only to be found dead the following day, presumably due to a tragic road accident.
The Ghosh family is currently overwhelmed with grief, accusing the pet boarding facility of egregious negligence that directly contributed to Milo’s untimely demise.
“This has crushed us as a family. Milo was beaten up and dragged by the leash on a busy road while two men rode the bike. We just cannot come to terms with the horrific events that transpired. We are shattered and completely broken. We left him in their hands, trusting that he would be safe, and instead, we found him dead. Paw’s Point charges Rs 600 for a day, and this is the way they treat our beloved pets. They insist that Milo jumped out of a car, which is absurd. There was no car; he was being ruthlessly dragged by a bike. The leash was handed to us as a token of their care,” Ms. Ghosh recounted in a heartfelt conversation with NDTV. Furthermore, she mentioned the family’s repeated requests for Ms. Sharma to provide CCTV footage of Milo’s time at the boarding facility, which she steadfastly refused to do.
Images of Milo have begun circulating on social media, igniting widespread outrage among pet owners and animal welfare organizations alike, all demanding stringent action against the pet boarding facility for their apparent negligence.
In a response when contacted by NDTV, Swati Sharma, who operates Paw’s Point, refuted allegations that the individuals seen dragging the dog on the motorcycle were staff members of the pet boarding. “I was driving the dog back after grooming, and in a moment of oversight, I neglected to child-lock the car. The dog rolled down the windows and jumped out. In a panic, I recognized those two men and asked them to assist in catching him. Yes, one of them did strike the dog, but what was he supposed to do if Milo was being aggressive? Then, the dog escaped. We were present with the family during their search for him and it was I who informed them of the discovery of his body. People have hastily labeled us as murderers of the dog. I have not charged them for the entire 17-day stay,” she stated defensively.
Waiting for response to load…
**Interview with Nivedita Ghosh: A Heartbreaking Loss**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Nivedita. The loss of your beloved dog, Milo, has been heartbreaking for you and your family. Can you start by telling us about Milo and what he meant to you?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** Thank you for having me. Milo was not just a pet; he was a member of our family. He was incredibly affectionate and had a personality that brought so much joy into our lives. Losing him has left a hole that I don’t think we can ever fill.
**Interviewer:** I understand you entrusted Milo to a pet boarding facility before your trip. What were your expectations for his care while you were away?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** We had always taken good care of Milo and expected the same from others. When we left him at Paw’s Point, we assumed he would be safe and well looked after. The owner, Swati Sharma, assured us that Milo would get the best care, so we felt confident about leaving him there.
**Interviewer:** Can you walk us through the events that led to Milo’s tragic death?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** The day before we returned, Ms. Sharma called and offered a complimentary grooming session for Milo. I was pleased and agreed immediately. However, upon returning, we received a shocking call stating that Milo had “run away” during his transport. It was unimaginable. We rushed to the facility and began searching everywhere. Our desperation only grew as time went on.
**Interviewer:** The circumstances around Milo’s disappearance seem quite disturbing. How did you find out about the video that showed him being dragged?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** After we filed a police complaint, officers began investigating and reviewing CCTV footage from the area. The horrifying video they found shows Milo being dragged by the leash behind a motorcycle. It was devastating. To think that someone could treat him this way is beyond me.
**Interviewer:** What actions have you taken in response to Milo’s death and the treatment he received?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** We filed a police complaint against Ms. Sharma for negligence, and an FIR has been registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. We believe that this is not just a case of negligence; it is a severe betrayal of trust and responsibility.
**Interviewer:** What message do you hope to convey to others who might be in a similar situation?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** I want pet owners to be vigilant and ensure the places they entrust their pets to are truly responsible. Check reviews, visit the facilities, and don’t take things for granted. No one should have to go through this kind of pain. Milo’s death was unnecessary, and I hope our story raises awareness about the importance of animal welfare.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Nivedita, for sharing your story. Our hearts go out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
**Nivedita Ghosh:** Thank you. I appreciate you giving us a platform to speak about Milo and his tragic fate.
**Interviewer:** After hearing about the events surrounding Milo’s disappearance, what did you discover that made the situation even more horrific?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** Upon searching, we reviewed CCTV footage and were horrified to find a video showing Milo being dragged by a motorcycle, tethered by his leash. It was gut-wrenching to see him treated in such a manner. We learned that he had tried to escape from the bike, which ultimately led to his tragic fate. He was found dead soon after, apparently due to a road accident.
**Interviewer:** That sounds devastating. How has this incident impacted your family?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** It’s shattered us. My husband and I feel completely broken. The trust we placed in the boarding facility has been betrayed in the most horrible way. We still cannot wrap our heads around how someone could treat our beloved Milo like that. Every day feels empty without his presence.
**Interviewer:** Following Milo’s death, what actions have you taken against the boarding facility?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** We filed a police complaint against the owner, Swati Sharma, for negligence. We believe her actions directly contributed to Milo’s death. We’re also pushing for justice, not just for Milo, but to ensure other animals do not suffer the same fate because of their negligence.
**Interviewer:** Have you received any responses from the boarding facility regarding your complaint?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** Ms. Sharma denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Milo jumped out of a car. But we know that was not the case; he was not in a car. We’ve asked for the full CCTV footage but have been met with resistance. Her explanation feels like a desperate attempt to deflect blame.
**Interviewer:** With this tragedy, what message do you hope to convey to other pet owners?
**Nivedita Ghosh:** I urge all pet owners to thoroughly vet any boarding facility before leaving their pets. Ensure they are responsible and trustworthy. Your pet is a family member, and they deserve nothing but the best care. Milo’s story should serve as a warning about the potential dangers that can arise from misplaced trust.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Nivedita, for sharing your heartbreaking story. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
**Nivedita Ghosh:** Thank you for giving a voice to Milo and for bringing attention to this issue.