A pet dog allegedly died after it was locked in a car by its Haryana-based owners who went to visit the Taj Mahal, according to media reports.
It is reported that the leash tied around the dog's neck got entangled in the handbrake while it jumped in the car troubled by heat, leading to its strangulation. A video of the incident also surfaced online.
People around filmed the condition of the animal on their phone cameras and made the video go online. It showed the pet dog laying motionless in the leg space of the four-wheeler.
The video drew the attention of the police officials to take necessary action to condemn the reckless behaviour. Taking cognisance of the viral footage, Uttar Pradesh Police noted that the Agra division has been directed to look into the matter. The police have reportedly seized the car and an FIR has been registered against the Haryana-based tourists for animal cruelty.
It is unclear whether the dog died of suffocation or the tragic incident that took place inside the car. According to reports, the pet dog's chain got stuck in the handbrake which might have tightened the noose around its neck, leading to death. A postmortem is underway to find the cause of death and take forward an investigation in this regard.
Meanwhile, a parking attendant on the premises was quoted in media reports to suggest that the shocking incident was the second of its kind in the past three days. He pointed out that four persons - two males and two females were onboard along with a Labrador. However, they left the pet dog inside the car after parking it at the West Gate. Despite being told by the parking attendant and guide to keep the dog outside the vehicle to ensure its well-being, the tourists denied and walked ahead to enjoy their Taj Mahal tour.