Veterinary hospitals shut, Hebbal facility sees huge rush

BENGALURU: Stray dogs are not getting any treatment in veterinary hospitals within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) area. Not only stray dogs, but also domestic animals are dying without getting proper treatment.

Veterinary hospitals were shifted to rural areas, leaving urban centres without services. Veterinary hospitals that should be operating in the respective zones have been closed. Therefore, people are coming to the Hebbal veterinary hospital for treatment of their pets.

Two private companies, Care and Samarpan, were doing treatment, rescue operations and burial of pets in the GBA area. However, after the government shifted the hospitals, the ambulances of these companies have stopped transporting service and providing treatment service at the place.

Anita, a dog owner expressing the problem that she is facing, said that people come to the Hebbal veterinary hospital every day for treatment of more than 50 domestic animals. “They come for treatment of skin diseases, vaccination, surgery, and other diseases for sheep, goats, dogs, and cats”, she said.

“Basically I came from Kammagondanahalli. It is difficult to carry pets to far-off places to get treatment. We need to stand in line, and there is always a rush here. The animals also get irritated, and we also get frustrated. I think it would be helpful if there were a veterinary hospital in every zone”, Anita said.

A Rs 2.39 crore fund was set aside for a super-specialty animal hospital in Jayanagar, and it was approved in the action plan. However, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) hasn’t taken any steps to construct the hospital yet.

Previously, an ambulance service would respond to animal accidents across the city, and people could call the 1962 helpline for assistance. Currently, there is no response from this helpline, leaving animals without emergency care.