Nongmaithem Reena & Laishram Ranbir
A severely injured Pony was left unattended for quite a few days near State Veterinary Hospital at Sanjenthong in Imphal East.
The Manipuri Pony, that have been found wandering around the city for the past few days, was spotted near State Veterinary Hospital in the last couple of days. The severely injured pony seemingly with infectious diseases at knee and thigh was seen lying in the middle of road at Konung Mamang near Kusum oil depot.
According to some passersby it was informed that the same pony was seen at various areas in and around the city- Nongmeibung, Wangkhei, Kongba, Pureiromba Khongnang-khong and Palace gate some days back and was wandering eating garbage.
By passers, even security personnel who were deployed at Sanjenthong were kind enough to slow down their vehicles and had a sympathetically look at the suffering pony.
Sensing disturbance from vehicular movements, the Pony was noticed trying to escape the crowded road walking away with its cripple legs from the place where it has been lying.
The same Pony was also seen near the newly constructed Sanjenthong Bridge. However, unfortunate part is that none of the staffs of State Veterinary Department, whose office is situated at just stone throw, failed to notice the suffering pony.
It is known that the state government initiative to identify a natural habitat for the ponies at Heingang and Khundrakpam was welcome by all and it has been already announced before an international audience that the government was in the process of drafting a comprehensive “Pony Policy” within a time period of 2-3 months and to declared Manipuri pony as endangered species.
Later at around 2 pm today a representative of Imphal Times drew the attention of the Director of state Veterinary and Animals Husbandry Department and it is fortunate that the director without delaying called upon concern staffs and took the Pony in their custody. The Director, assured all possible treatment and said that the department will find the owner if possible. He however said that the department will not take any responsibility if the pony died in their custody.
