Over 200 Animals Rescued From Illegal Pet Shop and Breeder Following Efforts by PETA India
After learning about the deplorable conditions in which animals of varied species were confined at an illegal facility in Saligrama, Udupi, named Animal Rescue Centre—a misnomer run by Mr Sudhindra Aithal, in a joint operation, PETA India, the Udupi Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the Animal Husbandry Department (AHD), Pattana Panchayat, the Forest Department, and Kota police station, successfully raided the centre, resulting in the rescue of over 200 animals. The efforts followed the SPCA meeting held under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Magistrate of Udupi. Based on the decision taken in the Udupi SPCA meeting, proceedings dated 21 January, and a closure and clearance order issued by the Udupi AHD and the Chief Officer of Town Panchayat, Saligrama, and in compliance with the directions of the DC, rescue operations were conducted on January 11 and February 12.
The rescued animals included species protected under Schedule I, II, and IV of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, along with pedigree dogs, Persian cats, Indian dogs, puppies, and kittens, as well as non-native endangered species such as Java sparrows, finches, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, white rats, and Australian red-yellow parrots.
The forest department also acted on PETA India’s complaint to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Karnataka, and raided the facility on 07 January. A Preliminary Offense Report was registered under sections 39 and 51 of the WPA, 1972, for possession of species protected under the above-mentioned schedules, including cobras, black kites, civet cats, Alexandrine parakeets, bonnet macaques, and cormorants. All these animals have been rehabilitated in Pilikula Biological Park and have been receiving medical aid.
All of the animals were confined in cramped metal cages, with faeces piling up underneath. The cages were filthy, rusty, and had sharp edges, with no bedding, food, or water bowls. It appeared that the faeces had been left untouched for months, creating intolerable living conditions for the animals who had developed various diseases and infections like Canine distemper, parvovirus, scabies, anaemia, maggot wounds, paralysis, and respiratory disorders. The majority of the animals were severely dehydrated and weak, had viral infections, eye discharge, lesions, and tick infestations and were found in extremely poor health.
Following the successful raid, the rescued animals have now been rehabilitated to various facilities after receiving necessary medical care, and dogs and cats are in the process of being rehomed.
Mr. Aithal, who operates this facility, has a well-documented history of repeatedly acquiring and confining animals in extremely unhygienic and inadequate conditions despite multiple warnings and official notices. His continued disregard for animals’ well-being has resulted in immense suffering for numerous animals.
In light of this, PETA India strongly urges the concerned authorities to take decisive action by dismantling and permanently destroying the existing empty cages at the facility. This measure is essential to prevent further cruelty and to ensure that these cages are not once again filled with helpless animals subjected to overcrowding, neglect, and inhumane treatment.
Facilities that engage in the boarding, breeding, or selling of ‘pet’ animals are required to be registered with the state animal welfare board, as mandated under Rule 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017, and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018, framed under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. Rule 2(1)(c) of Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017 defines “breeder” as an individual or group of persons who own pet animals and dogs of specific breeds for breeding and sale of dogs and pups and includes boarding kennel operators, intermediate handlers and traders. Rule 2(1)(d) of the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017 and Pet Shop Rules, 2018 defines “boarding kennel operator” as an individual or group of persons that keep pet dogs and pups for temporary housing in a kennel or any other establishment. Rule 2(1)(k) of the Pet Shop Rules, 2018 defines a ‘pet shop’.
An order dated 26 May 2020 issued by the Commissioner of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, Government of Karnataka, banned operations of unregistered dog breeding centres and pet shops in the state. Addressed to all district collectors and chairs of the district SPCAs, it mandates that all unregistered pet shops and dog breeding establishments not registered with the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board (KAWB) be banned from operating, in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018.
