Pune Authorities Order Relocation of Over 300 Cats Found in Unhygienic Conditions at Hadapsar Apartment

Ziya Khan 5 days ago

44 1 minute read

Last week, Pune police, along with a veterinarian from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), conducted a search in an apartment in the Hadapsar area following complaints of animal cruelty. Over 300 cats were found living in unhygienic conditions.Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Mogale of Hadapsar station stated that local residents had lodged complaints with the PMC against Rinku Bharadwaj and her sister Ritu Bharadwaj, the owners of flat number C-901 in Marvel Bounty Cooperative Housing Society.

Acting on these complaints, a team led by PMC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Sarika Phunde, members of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and police officials Sub-Inspector Supriya Kelewad and Havaldar Sonali Karande searched the 3BHK apartment on Thursday afternoon. During the inspection, cats and kittens were found confined in different rooms, including the kitchen and bathroom.Investigations revealed that the cats were neither vaccinated nor sterilized, and no records were maintained by the owners.

According to officials, some of the cats were pregnant, and the apartment was filled with animal excreta, creating a strong foul odor. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajkumar Shinde confirmed these findings but clarified that no offense has yet been registered against the owners.Dr. Phunde explained that the cats were kept illegally and a panchnama was conducted. Normally, in such cases, animals are moved to adoption centers.

#ExpressPune | Over 300 cats found in unhygienic conditions at Hadapsar apartment; #Pune authorities direct owners to shift them

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However, the owners, who claim to be animal lovers, requested time to relocate the cats themselves. “We have asked them to shift the cats as per legal guidelines,” she said, adding that officials will verify if the animals are relocated properly before deciding on further action.The case highlights concerns over animal welfare and the need for proper care and hygiene in such situations.