Antler strays into Chandigarh house

Chandigarh, Jan 20 (UNI) An injured antler, chased by a pack of stray dogs, today strayed into a house in Shivalik Enclave here, creating a flutter in the neighbourhood.

The about two-year-old antler, which apparently was separated from its herd in nearby forests and was bleeding from the mouth, was tranquilised and taken away by the wildlife officials after keeping police, neighbours and the six-member rescue team on tenterhooks for about half an hour.

On getting the information from houseowner Rakesh Garg in Shivalik Enclave this afternoon that the antler had entered his front garden and was banging against the glass door, police cordoned off the area, keeping the curious onlookers, specially children, away and informed the wildlife authorities.

A six-member team of Chandigarh wildlife squad, led by Jaswant Singh, tried to bring it out of the garden but it balked.

Mr Singh then shot a tranquiliser at his hindside. However, when it did not make any impact on the deer, Mr Singh fired another shot at its chest after which the animal fell unconsciuos.

The Antler was then bound in a net trap and hoisted on to a truck.

''He will be normal in an hour and we will release him in the nearby forest range. He is about two and a half years-old and has injured his mouth. However, it is a minor wound. He will be given treatment before the release, '' he said.

According to residents, a smaller antler was killed and the carcass was taken away in nearby Mani Majra neighbourood last night but the police said they had no knowledge of the incident.

UNI