Pune: In a surprising revelation, two sisters in Hadapsar were found keeping around 300 cats in their 3.5 BHK apartment. Following multiple complaints from residents about odor and noise, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)'s veterinary department conducted an inspection, uncovering the excessive number of animals. Consequently, the PMC health department has issued a notice mandating the immediate relocation of the cats to a shelter.
The incident took place at Marvel Bounty Society, where the sisters had been housing an increasing number of cats. This is not the first instance of such activity; in July 2022, an earlier inspection found over 60 cats in the same apartment, for which the PMC had issued a notice. Despite this, the number of cats continued to rise. Due to ongoing complaints from residents, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has also taken action by issuing a legal notice to the owners.
During the inspection, officials discovered highly unhygienic conditions inside the apartment. Several cats were found to be sick, injured, or pregnant. Fresh and old cat feces were present throughout the house. The authorities also noted that the owners had failed to maintain medical records, vaccination history, or sterilization records for the animals.
Veterinary experts expressed concerns about the health and welfare of the cats, as well as the potential risks posed to the surrounding residents due to the unsanitary environment.
When instructed to remove the cats, the two sisters stated that they own a one-acre plot in Kharadi and are willing to transfer the cats there. In addition, they have been directed to ensure immediate medical examinations, vaccinations, and sterilization under the guidance of licensed veterinarians.
According to Dr. Sarika Funde-Bhosale, Chief Veterinary Officer of Pune Municipal Corporation, the PMC had been receiving complaints from society residents for the past two and a half years. "We have visited the premises multiple times and issued notices accordingly. Back in July 2022, we found more than 60 cats in the apartment. Since then, the residents have continuously followed up on the issue," she stated.