Hyderabad: A horrifying nexus of animal cruelty and medical malpractice has surfaced in Hyderabad, casting a dark shadow over the veterinary services sector.
Allegations of an illegal 'blood trade' involving street and pet dogs have been levelled against Pets Care Hospital in Shaikpet, with fingers pointed directly at Dr Venkat Yadav, a veterinarian reportedly serving in the Telangana government.
Strays are captured and their blood is used to make profits
According to evidence compiled by animal rights activists, who also named the doctor for his alleged involvement, the hospital has been allegedly running an operation where street dogs are captured, held in inhumane conditions and used as 'living blood banks.'
Distressing reports suggest that these animals are starved and denied basic care, while their blood is extracted without authorisation to be sold to pet owners at exorbitant rates, ranging from Rs 18,000 to Rs 30,000 per transfusion, along with the charges.
Clinic used fake 'anaemia reports' to sell blood transfusions
The investigation into the clinic's practices has unveiled a systematic pattern of exploitation. In some instances, pet owners who bring their animals for boarding or routine treatment are allegedly misled by false anaemia reports.
Using these fabricated results as leverage, the hospital staff reportedly convinces distraught owners to authorise blood transfusions, using the 'donated' blood of other dogs kept in the hospital's cages.
Substantial evidence of malpractice
Activists now possess a trove of damning evidence, including invoices, photographs and video recordings that document the alleged illegal extraction and transfusion processes.
One such invoice shows a charge of Rs 16,000 for a single blood bag and an additional Rs 7,000 for transfusion procedures.
Gowri, founder of the Asara Foundation, has raised the alarm on the heightened dangers for pet owners. "We are seeing a trend where pet dogs left for boarding or treatment are becoming prone to blood theft," she stated. "It is not just about the monetary loss; it is about the trauma and health risks imposed on these animals. They are being bled to death to feed this illegal market."
Maneka Gandhi files complaint
The revelations have sparked widespread outrage among the city's animal welfare community.
Animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi has already filed a formal complaint with the State Animal Welfare Organisation, while local activists like Panneru Teja and Prudhvi are demanding a deeper probe.
"As of now, only one hospital has been exposed," Teja noted. "But we have no way of knowing how many other veterinary facilities in the city are repeating this racket under the radar."
The activists have officially appealed to the Department of Animal Husbandry, the Veterinary Council of India and the State Drug Control Administration to intervene.
They are demanding:
- An immediate investigation into Dr Venkat Yadav and Pets Care Hospital in Shaikpet.
- The immediate closure of the alleged unlicensed blood bank.
- Strict legal action under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Report animal abuse immediately
As the State authorities begin their inquiry, the case serves as a chilling reminder of the lack of regulated animal blood banks in Hyderabad, a gap that unscrupulous individuals are exploiting at the cost of innocent lives.
Animal welfare groups are now urging pet parents to exercise extreme caution, verify the credentials of boarding facilities, and report any suspicious medical recommendations to the authorities immediately.