More than 200 animals have been rescued from an illegal pet shop and breeding facility in the village of Saligrama in India.
The operation was carried out by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, the Udupi Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and local authorities.
The pet shop, called Animal Rescue Centre, was found to be operating without proper registration. Authorities raided the facility on January 11 and February 12 after multiple complaints. Despite previous warnings, the owner had a history of illegally keeping animals in poor conditions.
The rescued animals included protected species under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as well as pets like pedigree dogs and Persian cats.
Other rescued animals included Java sparrows, finches, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, white rats, and Australian red-yellow parrots.
Animals kept in horrible conditions
Animals were found in small, dirty cages without food or water. Many were sick, suffering from diseases such as canine distemper, parvovirus, scabies, anemia, and respiratory infections.
Some had severe wounds, while others were extremely weak and dehydrated. Authorities are now working to rehome the rescued dogs and cats while the wildlife has been sent to rehabilitation centers.
Protected species like cobras, black kites, civet cats, and macaques were also found at the facility. These animals have been moved to Pilikula Biological Park for medical care and rehabilitation.
PETA India is calling for the complete dismantling of the facility to prevent further cruelty.
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