Illegal and Cruel Animal Exhibition Shut Down at Island Grounds

We received information about birds and animals being subjected to extreme cruelty at an illegal animal exhibition named "Zaha Live Pets Paradise" at Island Grounds. Upon notifying the police, we rushed to the location, only to witness heartbreaking conditions.

1.⁠ ⁠The animals were kept in cramped, unhygienic enclosures, violating even the most basic space requirements.

2.⁠ ⁠⁠No vaccination records or health documents were available for any of the animals.

3.⁠ ⁠⁠Feces and urine were left uncleaned in the cages, putting the animals at severe risk of infections.

4.⁠ ⁠⁠Visitors were allowed to handle animals and take photos for ₹200 per picture, causing immense stress to these helpless beings.

5.⁠ ⁠⁠The entire area lacked proper ventilation. With a tin roof and no fans, the animals suffered from unbearable heat.

To make matters worse, the exhibition had no approval from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), making it entirely illegal.

I filed an official complaint at Triplicane Police Station regarding the situation. When the police arrived, the owner had locked the facility and absconded with the animals still inside.

For two days, we waited at the location, but the owner refused to return. Attempts were even made to smuggle out the animals. After relentless efforts, the door was finally opened yesterday in the presence of Police officials, Veterinary Officer of Greater Chennai Corporation, Additional Director of Animal Husbandry and Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board

Upon entry, we found starving animals in distress. Some had collapsed from dehydration, injuries, and sickness. Tragically, several mice had already died inside their cages.

The police seized all the animals including Cockatiels, Budgies, Rabbits, Sugar Gliders, Cats, Sheep, Hamsters, Pigeons, Guineafowls, and Hedge Hogs they were immediately transferred to the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary for treatment and rehabilitation. They are now under medical care, receiving the attention they desperately need.

This case is a stark reminder of the cruelty animals face in illegal exhibitions. Such events must be permanently shut down, and strict action must be taken against the perpetrators.

FIR has been filed against the perpetrators.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank Mrs. Sujatha Mahesh Avl and Dr. Shiranee Pereira Avl for helping to save these lives.

Sincere thanks to Mr. AntonyRubin Avl for relentlessly supporting in this case since the beginning!

Heartfelt thanks to Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board and Greater Chennai Police for ensuring that the action was taken.

Last but not the least, sincere thanks to the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary for immediately taking the animals, treating them and rehabilitating them. Thank you!