Bengaluru: A postgraduate veterinary student and a veterinarian have been booked after a joint raid by police and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) at a private veterinary facility in Doddakannelli led to the discovery of a dead dog and the rescue of 12 dogs and a cat.
The facility, identified as Primecare Veterinary Hospital on Gear School Road, was allegedly being used to conduct unauthorised surgeries and medical experiments on stray animals.
The two accused have been identified as Manjunath S, a postgraduate student at Veterinary College, Hebbal, and veterinarian Asif Pasha, who allegedly operated the facility.
A case has been registered against the duo under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Raid follows complaints from activists
The action followed complaints from local residents and animal welfare activists, who alleged that stray dogs were being brought to the facility and subjected to unauthorised orthopaedic procedures.
Activists further alleged that the animals were being used for experimental surgeries without the required approvals.
Acting on the complaints, officials from the GBA’s animal husbandry wing, police personnel and veterinarians inspected the premises. During the raid, they found a dead dog and rescued 12 dogs and a cat from the facility.
GBA officials said the allegations would be verified as part of the police investigation.
“Based on what we saw at the facility, the complaints appear to have substance. Further investigation by the police will establish the facts,” Rudresh Kumar KL, additional director (animal husbandry), GBA East Corporation, told The Times of India.
Allegations of surgeries without anaesthesia
Officials alleged that surgeries were being performed on animals without administering anaesthesia. They also said the facility did not have the necessary permissions to house animals or conduct medical procedures.
Animal welfare activists alleged that several animals had died during surgeries at the facility.
One activist who alerted the police said the matter came to light after a pet owner traced a missing dog to the veterinary facility using the QR code attached to the animal.
According to the activist, a subsequent visit to the facility allegedly revealed dogs undergoing surgery without anaesthesia and being kept in unhygienic conditions. Some animals were reportedly found bleeding and confined inside cages.
The allegations have raised concerns among animal welfare groups over the treatment of animals at private facilities and the need for proper monitoring of veterinary establishments.
Missing dogs allegedly traced to facility
Activists also raised allegations that dogs had been stolen and brought to the facility for experimental procedures.
“There is proof that dogs were being stolen and used for illegal experiments,” an animal activist alleged while demanding strict action against those responsible.
The allegations are yet to be conclusively established, and police are investigating the circumstances under which the animals reached the facility and the procedures allegedly performed on them.
The discovery of a dead dog and the condition of the rescued animals have prompted further questions about the facility’s operations.
Veterinary college role under scrutiny
GBA officials said they were yet to seek clarification from Veterinary College, Hebbal, regarding the role of postgraduate student Manjunath S and the nature of the work allegedly carried out at the facility.
The involvement of a postgraduate veterinary student has become a key aspect of the investigation, with authorities expected to establish whether the student was acting as part of any authorised academic or clinical activity.
Police are also examining whether the facility had the necessary permissions and whether additional offences were committed beyond those already included in the case.
Police probe under way
Police said an investigation was under way to determine the extent of the alleged violations and identify whether others were involved.
The rescued animals have been taken into the care of the authorities as the investigation continues.
The case has also highlighted the importance of regulatory oversight of veterinary facilities, particularly those handling stray animals and conducting surgical procedures.
While animal welfare activists have demanded stringent action against the accused, authorities are expected to establish the facts through the ongoing investigation before determining further legal action.