Bengaluru authorities raided city pet stores to rescue 1,300 exotic birds and animals

January 14th, 2023

Puppies, kittens, and other animals are sold by pet stores at inflated prices that they quote for "purebred" animals—by capitalising on their inherent appeal. Alas, marketing sick and injured animals, skipping necessary veterinary care, housing animals in unhygienic conditions, and disposing of sick or undesirable animals using cruel ways are all common issues in the pet-shop industry. Now in a heartening move, pet stores in Bengaluru have been raided by the police, BBMP, animal welfare board, and animal husbandry department. Animals that were being mistreated and cruelly abused, such as exotic birds, dogs, cats, hamsters, ducks, and rabbits, have been saved.

In a significant campaign coordinated by the Animal Husbandry Department, the Animal Welfare Board, the police, and BBMP authorities raided pet stores throughout the city and saved over 1,300 exotic birds and animals who were being mistreated.

The raid conducted on January 11

The majority of pet shops don't follow the laws, and many of them aren't registered, according to Salma K. Fahim, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, therefore the raids are also intended to raise awareness. A coordinated raid was conducted on January 11 in order to send a message to the illegal pet drive, which is still going strong, she claimed. As many as 15 stores have been searched throughout the city, including stores at Russel Market in Shivaji Nagar, Jayanagar, Banashankari, Hanumanth Nagar, and other areas.

Exotic animals that were being mistreated and subjected to brutality, such as dogs, cats, hamsters, ducks, and rabbits, have been rescued and given to NGOs and the Bannerghatta Rehab and Rescue Center. The operators of pet shops have been charged with violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in about nine FIRs.

Breeders failed to register with the animal welfare board

With the exception of two, there are numerous pet dog breeders operating in the city who are not members of the animal welfare board. According to Ms. Fahim, the breeders have also been warned that failing to register with the board could result in legal action. An initial investigation found that several stores obtained exotic birds and animals from abroad while evading taxes. According to a senior officer who participated in the raid, there are numerous gaps in the system that need to be closed.

The agency intends to keep up its particular campaign to raise awareness and put all pet stores and breeders under regulation so they must abide by the guidelines established by the relevant department.