Over 300 Cats Found in Pune Apartment Amid Animal Hoarding Concerns
Hadapsar, 17th February 2025: In yet another shocking case of animal hoarding, authorities have discovered over 300 cats crammed inside a three-bedroom apartment in a housing society in Hadapsar. The Pune chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have now stepped in to address the issue, which had been a long-standing concern for neighbors.
The incident came to light after multiple complaints from residents of Marvel Bounty Cooperative Housing Society, who had been raising concerns for over two years about the overwhelming stench and unhygienic conditions in the apartment. Following an inspection by the PMC on February 13, the SPCA issued a 48-hour notice to relocate the animals.
PMC’s chief veterinary officer, Dr. Sarika Funde, revealed that officials had previously visited the apartment last year when the number of cats was around 70. “At the time, we advised the sisters who owned the cats to limit the number, but they continued bringing in more. Now, the situation has escalated beyond control, with over 300 cats living in extremely unsanitary conditions,” she said.
Ankush Parihar, deputy commissioner of the SPCA, confirmed that the cats would be moved to a shelter in Kharadi, with the expenses to be borne by the owners. “Animal hoarding is a growing concern in Pune. While there are no specific legal limits on the number of pets a person can keep, people must understand that such situations lead to suffering for both the animals and the surrounding community,” he explained.
