PCMC Animal Shelter Under Fire Over Neglect, Unhygienic Conditions And Delayed Treatment Of Injured Animals
PCMC Animal Shelter Under Fire Over Neglect, Unhygienic Conditions And Delayed Treatment Of Injured Animals
Pimpri-Chinchwad, July 22, 2026: Serious allegations of medical negligence, poor sanitation and inadequate care have surfaced against the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) Animal Shelter, with animal welfare volunteers claiming that injured and sick animals are being left without proper treatment, food or even drinking water.
During a recent visit to the shelter, volunteers documented what they described as alarming conditions, raising concerns over compliance with basic animal welfare standards.
One of the most disturbing cases involved a dog housed in Kennel No. 17, which was reportedly struggling to breathe. According to volunteers, despite repeatedly alerting the shelter staff including veterinarians, supervisors, animal catchers and caretakers the dog’s deteriorating condition was allegedly ignored. The animal was later found to be suffering from Canine Distemper (CD), a highly contagious viral disease. Activists alleged that the diagnosis was delayed and that the dog had been receiving only intravenous fluids, antibiotics and painkillers while remaining in the same ward as other admitted dogs.
The Canine Distemper (CD) ward was described as being in an extremely unhygienic condition. Volunteers alleged that weeks-old animal waste had accumulated inside the enclosure without being cleaned and that several admitted dogs had no access to food or drinking water.
Concerns were also raised over the handling of biomedical waste within the facility. Used syringes, disposable gloves, face masks and plastic medical containers were reportedly found scattered inside treatment areas and around the shelter premises instead of being disposed of safely. Algae-covered surfaces and poor overall sanitation were also observed in and around the inpatient department.
Another case highlighted by volunteers involved a female dog admitted for tumour treatment several months ago. They alleged that despite remaining in the shelter for an extended period, surgery had not been performed due to the absence of a qualified veterinary surgeon.
Animal welfare activists have termed the conditions a serious violation of animal welfare and sanitation norms, stating that delayed medical treatment, improper waste disposal and the lack of basic necessities such as food and water are placing the lives of rescued animals at risk. They have urged the PCMC administration to immediately upgrade the shelter’s infrastructure, appoint adequate veterinary specialists and ensure proper hygiene and medical care for all animals housed at the facility.
Pune Pulse attempted to contact PCMC Veterinary Officer Dr. Arun Dagade and senior official Sandeep Khot for their response. However, both officials were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
