Bengaluru: A postgraduate veterinary student and a veterinarian were booked after a joint raid by police and Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on a private veterinary facility in Doddakannelli here Tuesday led to the discovery of a dead dog and the rescue of 12 dogs and a cat.The facility was allegedly being used to conduct illegal surgeries and medical experiments on strays.The two suspects have been identified as Manjunath S, a postgraduate student at Veterinary College, Hebbal, and veterinarian Asif Pasha, who allegedly operated Primecare Veterinary Hospital on Gear School Road. A case was registered against the duo under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Section 325 of BNS.The action followed complaints from residents and animal welfare activists, who claimed stray dogs were being brought to the facility and subjected to unauthorised orthopaedic procedures. Activists claimed the animals were used for experimental surgeries.Acting on the complaints, officials from GBA’s animal husbandry wing, police personnel and veterinarians inspected the premises.Officials alleged that surgeries were being conducted on animals without administering anaesthesia and that the facility lacked the required permissions to house animals or carry out medical procedures.“Based on what we saw at the facility, the complaints appear to have substance. Further investigation by the police will establish the facts,” Rudresh Kumar KL, additional director (animal husbandry), GBA East Corporation, told TOI.GBA officials said they are yet to seek clarification from Veterinary College, Hebbal, regarding the role of the postgraduate student and the nature of the work carried out.Animal welfare activists alleged several animals had died during surgeries.An animal activist, who tipped off police, said the case came to light after one pet parent traced a missing dog to the clinic, using the QR code attached to the animal. A visit to the facility allegedly revealed dogs being operated on without anaesthesia and kept in unhygienic conditions, with some bleeding and confined to cages.Demanding strict action against the offenders, an animal activist said: “There is proof that dogs were being stolen used for illegal experiments.”Police said a probe was under way to determine the extent of violations and whether additional offences were committed.
