Siddarth Sethia
The GBA and police on Tuesday raided a veterinary clinic in Doddakannelli near Bellandur following allegations that street dogs were allegedly picked up,subjected to unauthorised orthopedic procedures and in some cases allegedly euthanised.
The raid was conducted at (Primecare Vet Hospital, formerly known as Anicure),on Gear School Road,after an animal rescue group and a whistleblower brought alleged video evidence of cruelty to the authorities’ attention.
According to the rescuers,12 dogs and a cat were found at the premises.
Four street dogs requiring immediate medical attention were rescued and shifted to another veterinary facility for treatment.
Six Indie dogs were reportedly found in need of treatment, while three were allegedly rescued before their leg injuries became irreversible.
The cat was shifted to VCare after its owner could not be contacted. Owners of some of the other animals were also reportedly informed and asked to collect them from the clinic.
The rescue group has alleged that street dogs were being used for practicing orthopedic surgery,with their legs allegedly being broken without proper anaesthesia before surgical procedures were performed.
The group further alleged that some animals died following the procedures and were subsequently disposed of.
The rescuers have also alleged that one of the doctors involved in the procedures had carried out similar experiments at the clinic as well as at the veterinary college in Hebbal.They claimed that dogs were transported and handled in a manner amounting to severe cruelty.
Police have questioned two doctors in connection with the allegations.Their statements and the evidence collected during the raid are expected to form part of the investigation.
The rescue group has further alleged that dog catchers were being paid around Rs.500 per dog and claimed that some of them were also involved in injuring the animals.
It has also alleged that a person identified as Dr Asif had provided space for keeping the dogs.
During the inspection,an unsterilised Cane Corso and a Husky were also reportedly found at the premises.The rescue group has raised suspicion that the animals could be linked to a possible breeding operation,though this allegation is yet to be established by the authorities.
The rescuers suspect that the clinic could be part of a larger network and have urged the police and BBMP to investigate whether animals were being kept at other locations.
The allegations came to light after videos purportedly showing the treatment of the dogs were circulated among animal welfare activists.
The rescuers have urged the public to share information and evidence with the authorities rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Police and GBA officials are expected to examine the animals, medical records,CCTV footage and other material recovered from the premises to determine whether any offences were committed and whether more animals were subjected to alleged experimentation.
The allegations regarding the number of dogs allegedly experimented on or killed,as well as claims of a wider network involving officials or others, is yet to be ascertained .
