Pet License Scam Surfaces in Pune, PMC Urges Vigilance
Pune, 9th August 2023: As Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) mandates pet owners to obtain licenses for their furry companions, a concerning trend has emerged wherein unauthorized agents are capitalizing on the process.
The official procedure for obtaining a pet license involves applying online, undergoing an inspection by a civic official, paying a nominal fee of Rs 500, and receiving the license within three weeks. However, reports of intermediaries exploiting the system have raised alarm bells among pet owners.
One such incident involved Rahul Wautre, who applied for an H-11 license for his pet on June 6 through the designated online channel. Despite the streamlined process, Wautre found himself waiting for over two months without receiving the license. Subsequently, he received an unexpected call from an agent identifying himself as Rashid Khan. The agent offered to expedite the process for a fee, initially quoting Rs 3,000 and later reducing it to Rs 2,000 after learning about Wautre’s existing application. The agent claimed that the additional charges were meant to facilitate officials’ cooperation.
Another pet owner, preferring anonymity, shared a similar ordeal. Despite correctly following the online procedure and paying the stipulated fee, the individual received the license after an arduous wait of almost two months. The pet owner criticized the efficacy of the online system and recounted a series of visits to the PMC ward office to expedite the process.
Dr. Sarika Funde, the chief veterinary officer of the PMC, has urged pet owners to remain vigilant and report any instances of unauthorized agents demanding extra money. She asserted that PMC has not authorized any intermediaries for pet licensing and clarified that the official fee for a 10-year license is Rs 500. The license issuance is expected within a reasonable period of 21 to 25 days, allowing for potential delays caused by the authorities’ inspection.
Dr. Funde emphasized PMC’s commitment to taking strict action against individuals attempting to exploit citizens through such illicit means.
The emergence of this pet license scam has prompted PMC to review its online system and adopt measures to streamline the process further.
Meanwhile, pet owners are advised to exercise caution, avoid engaging with unauthorized agents, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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