India, June 5 -- The use of a langur to deter monkeys at a residential society in Sector 79, Gurugram, has triggered allegations of animal cruelty and violations of wildlife protection laws. The incident, captured in photographs, shows a man walking the langur on a leash within the society premises, leading to criticism from wildlife volunteers who alleged that this is part of a larger pattern of misuse of the species in the district.

"This practice is a direct violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. It is not just unlawful; it is inhumane," said Vaishali Rana, trustee of the Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement and a prominent environmentalist. Rana flagged the case in a formal complai...