Bengaluru Pet Shops Under Fire for Severe Animal Welfare Violations
A coalition of animal rights activists in Bengaluru has presented a comprehensive report to Maheshwar Rao, the chief commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), detailing extensive violations by pet shops throughout the city. The report paints a grim picture of widespread cruelty, neglect, and legal breaches that compromise the health and well-being of animals kept for sale.
Documented Cruelty and Inhumane Conditions
The investigation reveals that many pet shops subject animals to cramped cages and soiled enclosures, severely restricting their ability to move freely. In bird aviaries, birds are often unable to spread their wings, hop, or fly due to inadequate space. Temperature control is frequently lacking, exposing animals to extreme weather conditions. These conditions reflect not only cruelty and official apathy but also pose significant health risks, especially due to the absence of isolation areas for sick or potentially infected animals.
Illegal Wildlife Sales and Registration Failures
Activists discovered that several outlets are illegally displaying animals protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, for sale, violating both the Act and the Pet Shop Rules. This threatens conservation efforts and endangers wildlife. According to Laavanya Koushik, an activist with the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO), approximately 90% of Bengaluru's pet shops lack certificates of registration, as revealed by RTI reports. Most operate from pavements or makeshift structures, exposing birds and animals to heat, noise, pollution, and poor ventilation, with many lacking essential facilities like electricity, water supply, and power backup.
Hygiene and Safety Concerns
Hygiene is severely compromised in the majority of shops, with food and water vessels often covered in excreta and reused without proper cleaning. Activists warn that this neglect could lead to serious health problems or even death for the animals. Additionally, these makeshift outlets typically lack smoke detectors and firefighting equipment, further endangering both animals and public safety.
Violations of Pet Shop Rules and Species Mixing
The report highlights that many enclosures contain a mix of different species or age groups, directly violating Rule 7(2)(i) of the Pet Shop Rules, which requires all animals in the same enclosure to be of the same species and age group. This mixing causes stress and aggression among animals, increasing risks of bullying and fighting.
Activists Urge Public Action and Official Response
Animal rights activists are cautioning people against purchasing pets from such shops, suggesting instead that they care for community animals. "These animals are bred in captivity. If you genuinely care about animals, look around you. Care for the community animals who are already there and already need you," said Ritwik Bhonsle of the People for Animals-Public Policy Foundation. In response, Kumar Pushkar, PCCF (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden of Karnataka, stated, "It is mandatory for every dealer to get registered and declare all their stock to the forest department. In case of violation, action shall be taken to book wildlife cases against such dealers, and all the animals listed in the Wildlife Act, including exotic species, shall be seized."
