A dog shelter in Bengaluru has been in the news again on Sunday after a team of animal-welfare experts and ex-civic vets revealed that it has sanitation, drainage, animal-care and fire safety problems.

The team of retired vets and animal activists from People for Animals (PFA), Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) inspected the dog shelter in Shivaram Karanth Layout in Bengaluru on September 9 and accused the North City Corporation (BNCC) of constructing a faulty drainage system. The activists said dog waste that ends up in the pit earmarked as the septic tank could threaten the groundwater. The team also pointed out that the holding areas lacked tiles, increasing the risks of infection from bacteria and fungi.

 “Waste is dumped in a pit that serves as a septic tank and is threatening to pollute the groundwater that locals use,” said Suparna Ganguly, a member of CUPA, who inspected the Bengaluru dog shelter.

Animal Records Missing, Safety Measures Lacking

The report alleged that the dog shelter does not maintain any animal records - no health cards or other veterinary records. The inspection team also pointed out the torn mesh in the holding places and said that there was no provision for ventilation, food or feed measurement or safety equipment.

The dog shelter built to accommodate 500 dogs in individually housed only 74 dogs.

Last year, concerns were raised about the drainage, ventilation, enclosures and permissions of the shelter. However, the authorities responded by saying all clearances were in place and the animal shelter was constructed as per animal welfare norms.

BNCC commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar said they would monitor the dog shelter and withhold payments to contractors in case of discrepancies.

What Happens Next?

Ganguly said the report would be submitted to the City Corporation Commissioner and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). Authorities will have to take action on the inspection team’s findings, which have revealed violations of several animal welfare and environmental rules. Water pollution tests in the groundwater, if any and modifications to the shelter would require necessary approvals. Authorities have been directed to construct additional facilities across the city to meet the requirements of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.

“Shivaram Karanth Layout is the only dog shelter constructed by the Greater Bangalore Authority while we feel there is a need for four dog shelters in different localities,” said Ganguly.

Business Fortune believes that the latest controversy surrounding the dog shelter raises questions about the city’s ability to care for its animals while balancing animal welfare, environmental and safety concerns.

FAQs

Where is the dog shelter located?

The dog shelter is located in the north Bengaluru regions of Shivaram Karanth Layout/Medi Agrahara.

How many dogs can the shelter hold?

The shelter was built to house 500 dogs individually.

How many dogs were accommodated in the shelter?

According to reports, only 74 dogs were accommodated in the shelter.

What issues were raised by the inspection team and animal activists?

The issues related to waste disposal, groundwater pollution, drainage, fire-safety and animal care were raised by the inspection team and animal activists. The report alleged that the shelter does not maintain any animal records.

Who has received the report?

The City Corporation Commissioner and KSPCB reportedly received the report.