Daijiworld Media Network – Brahmavar
Brahmavar, Jul 9: Officials of the town panchayat, accompanied by representatives of PETA India, on Tuesday conducted their seventh raid on an animal shelter run by B Sudheendra Aithal of Saligrama and rescued 17 animals from the premises.
During the inspection, the carcass of a calf was found beside a heap of animal bones. PETA India suspects that the calf died due to prolonged neglect and lack of care. The rescued animals, which were in severe distress, comprised four adult dogs, six puppies, six kittens and one guinea pig.
The animals were allegedly being kept in unsafe conditions without food, drinking water or veterinary treatment. They were reportedly suffering from tick infestations and serious illnesses. A case has been registered against Sudheendra Aithal at Kota police station under the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act for alleged neglect of the health of protected animals and for keeping them in inhumane conditions under the guise of animal protection.
PETA India stated that more than 350 animals have been rescued in seven separate raids on the centre so far. Although the Saligrama Town Panchayat, the Animal Husbandry Department and the deputy commissioner had on several occasions ordered the closure of the facility and FIRs had been registered, Aithal allegedly continued to ignore the directives. PETA has urged the authorities to take stringent action against him.
Responding to the allegations, B Sudheendra Aithal said that he had incurred debts to rescue abandoned animals and had cared for many injured in road accidents. He alleged that PETA was unnecessarily targeting him and stated that he was pursuing legal remedies. He further said that if private citizens are not permitted to keep dogs and cats, PETA itself should establish a well-organised shelter for stray animals. He maintained that he was doing his best with the available facilities and would continue his rescue efforts.