Building Robust Public Veterinary Infrastructure and Capacity for Rescues, Lower & Middle-Income Pet Parents, and Animal Owners

Dogs looking lost at a hospital

4 Nov 2025

Dr Shamla Iqbal, I.A.S.

Principal Secretary

Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services

Government of Karnataka, Vikasa Soudha,

Bangalore 560001 (via email : prsahf@gmail.com)

Through Proper Channel

Cc To:

1.      The Dean, Karnataka Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bangalore

2.      The Commissioner, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Bangalore

3.      The Honourable Minister for Animal Husbandry, Government of Karnataka

Respected Madam,

Subject: Urgent Appeal for Building Robust Public Veterinary Infrastructure and Capacity for Rescues, Lower & Middle-Income Pet Parents, and Animal Owners

We are writing to you today as a collective voice of concerned citizens, animal rescuers, and pet parents from across Bangalore and Karnataka. We bring to your kind attention the critical and urgent need to strengthen the government's veterinary infrastructure, which is a lifeline for a vast majority of our citizens who cannot afford escalating private veterinary costs.

While there are discussions about the fee structures of private veterinarians, the fundamental issue remains the lack of accessible, affordable, and reliable government facilities. It is challenging to regulate the private sector effectively when the public alternative, which is very much part of the government's charter, is not fully functional. Therefore, we implore you to direct immediate efforts towards revitalizing our existing government facilities, which hold the key to providing equitable care for all animals.

We have outlined specific, actionable issues below for your immediate consideration:

1. Queen Veterinary Super Specialty Hospital: The Need for Full-Fledged 24/7 Inpatient Care

The Queen Veterinary Hospital is envisioned as a super-speciality facility. However, its potential remains grossly underutilized due to the prolonged absence of dedicated inpatient facilities. It is a matter of grave concern that critically ill animals brought in, even during operational hours, are provided only temporary or "spot" treatment and are then referred elsewhere for admission. This reduces a super-speciality hospital to a mere transit point, defeating its very purpose.

·       Inpatient Kennels: We note that kennels exist on the campus, many of which are used by the BBMP for ABC work. Furthermore, an additional space for dumped dogs was created earlier but remains unused. We urgently request that a start be made ASAP, and  at least 10-15 kennels be allocated exclusively to the Queen Hospital for inpatient care.

·       Staffing and Will: The excuses of staff and attendant shortages are surmountable with intent and genuine desire, as was proven when the hospital was made 24/7 under the leadership of the then AHVS Secretary, Shri Maj Manivannaan. Any further delay in operationalizing inpatient services is unconscionable and will lead to the loss of precious lives.

·       Equipment and Accessibility: Basic diagnostic equipment (X-ray, ultrasound, etc.) is available, but access is restricted due to limited trained personnel, so caretakers are forced to come back with their sick animal .  We recommend that all basic facilities be made available round-the-clock and that a roster of available veterinarians and staff, with contact numbers, be displayed at the entrance and online for public transparency.

2. Hebbal Veterinary College & Hospital: Extending Hours to Serve the Public

The Hebbal Hospital is an icon of our city with brilliant faculty and surgeons. However, its public utility is severely hampered by its extremely limited outpatient timings (8:30 AM to 12:00 PM). This causes immense hardship to working pet parents and often leads to tragic outcomes for animals in need of urgent evening care. It also inadvertently encourages the dumping of animals by those unable to take repeated leave.

We earnestly request that the hospital's outpatient timings be extended until at least 8:00 PM. This would not only better serve the public but also provide invaluable practical exposure for the vast number of veterinary students. Additionally, strengthening its inpatient facilities and fostering a collaborative model with on-campus shelters like CUPA and Karuna would significantly enhance the city's capacity for critical care and ABC programs.

3. Government Veterinary Clinics Across the City: Operational Transparency and Basic Services

The network of government veterinary clinics across the city is a potent resource that is currently underperforming. Many of these clinics lack basic surgical facilities, consistent veterinarian presence, and even fundamental infrastructure. They are unable to provide essential services like vaccinations or basic treatment to companion animals. We request the department to:

·       Audit and ensure the regular presence of staff and basic amenities at all clinics.

·       Publicly release a comprehensive list of all government clinics in the Bangalore Urban district, complete with the names and mobile numbers of the concerned veterinarians-in-charge, ensuring accountability and access.

4. Mobile Veterinary Vans (MVUs): From Asset to Action

We understand that the department possesses fully functional and well-equipped Mobile Veterinary Units. However, these assets are virtually invisible to the public. They are neither seen providing on-road services nor stationed at fixed locations on a pre-announced schedule.

These vans are a flexible, responsive solution for last-mile connectivity, especially in peri-urban and poorly serviced areas. We urge the department to create and publicize a monthly calendar detailing the location and timings of these mobile clinics in different city zones, enabling citizens to avail of their services.

Conclusion

Addressing these four critical areas will dramatically transform the landscape of animal healthcare in our state. By building proper capacity, ensuring adequate staffing, and involving citizens as partners, we can create a veterinary system that serves its animals and their owners with the compassion, efficiency, and sincerity mandated by the charter of the AHVS Department.

The well-being of thousands of animals and the relief of their desperate owners depend on your proactive intervention. We request an urgent review meeting to discuss these points and chart a concrete action plan. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

Priya Chetty-Rajagopal

on behalf of concerned animal caretakers

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