British couple's 'donkey shelter' raises stink with Gurgaon neighbours

New Delhi, Apr 22(ANI): A retired British couple are in the midst of a controversy after their neighbours in Gurgaon raised objections to the couple's decision to shelter donkeys at their home.

Bob Harrison, a former British High Commission employee, and his wife Jean are passionate defenders of animal rights, and have been working under the Asswin Project, which provide services for the city's distressed donkeys.

However, their neighbours claim the sanctuary has made the area surrounding their home dirty and attracted packs of stray dogs and wild pigs.

They have written a series of complaints to the local municipal commissioner urging him to close down their animal shelter and force the couple to leave.

The Harrisons have denied the accusations and believe they are being persecuted due to their nationality.

"The neighbours have complained to the municipal commissioner about the noise and the smell and they say it's attracting the pigs. But there is a leaking sewage pipe at the back of the houses and the pigs love it," The Telegraph quoted Bob, as saying.

He added that one of the neighbours is building a gymnasium in the colony and fears having a donkey shelter next door will drive away potential customers.

The municipal commissioner has now offered a potential solution to the dispute, and has told the couple that the government will give them a nearby plot away from the colony, where they can build a new donkey shelter. (ANI)