Pune: The inpatient facility at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Animal Care Center in Nehrunagar has remained closed for over one and a half months, leaving stray animals suffering from rabies and infectious diseases without proper medical supervision. Despite municipal orders issued on January 22 to restart operations, the contractor has failed to resume services, raising concerns about PCMC's oversight in enforcing compliance.
On Monday, February 24, a site visit to the Nehrunagar Animal Care Center revealed distressing conditions. Pet owners had brought their animals for various ailments, and outpatient services were functional. However, staff members were merely prescribing medicines, directing owners to purchase them externally.
The inpatient facility, meant for stray animals, was found locked and inaccessible. When questioned, on-duty staff were unaware of the reasons for its closure, advising visitors to speak with senior officials instead.
While pet animals received treatment from their owners, stray dogs and cats, lacking proper care, have been left to suffer, with some even succumbing to their ailments. Despite PCMC allocating lakhs of rupees every month for the care of stray animals, their treatment remains non-existent due to administrative negligence.
Facilities Lie Unused Despite Significant Investment
The PCMC has invested heavily in setting up 35 cages in the inpatient facility to provide treatment for stray animals. However, these cages have remained locked for the past one and a half months, rendering them useless despite urgent need.
When questioned about the reopening of the inpatient facility, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sandeep Khot stated, "This does not fall under my jurisdiction. Please contact Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Arun Dagade." Conversely, when Dr. Arun Dagade was approached, he redirected inquiries back to Deputy Commissioner Khot, highlighting a lack of accountability within the administration.
The contractor responsible for operating the inpatient facility, People for Animals, had submitted a letter to PCMC on January 7, stating that the facility would be closed for 15-20 days for disinfection. However, even after more than six weeks, the facility remains non-operational.
Shockingly, the contractor has taken the keys and locked the facility, preventing even the staff from accessing the premises for maintenance and care. Despite the facility being PCMC property, the contractor has not handed over the keys to security personnel, further complicating the situation.
Contract Details & Monthly Payments
The People for Animals organization has been contracted by PCMC to manage the inpatient facility from October 2023 to 2026. The municipal corporation pays ₹80,000 per month for this service, yet the facility remains closed, raising concerns about misuse of funds.
Animal Activists Demand Immediate Action
"We have been demanding the reopening of the inpatient facility for several weeks. Despite discussions with PCMC officials, they continue to pass responsibility to one another without taking concrete action."
– Vaishali Dalvi, Animal Rights Activist
"We have issued orders to the organization running the inpatient department to resume operations by February 22. If they fail to comply within the next two to three days, we will submit a proposal for punitive action at a higher level."
– Dr. Arun Dagade, Chief Veterinary Officer, PCMC