Owners of obese pets traced; one dog dies

MUMBAI: Three sisters from Charkop have apologized and taken back home three obese pet dogs they had recently abandoned at Madh island.
Animal rights activist Amit Pathak traced the owners of the dogs, one of which passed away late on Sunday.
Pathak said, “One of the sisters is said to be mentally unsound. One works as a nurse. They left the pets near the Madh church after they had issues with neighbours.They have given a written undertaking to the Malvani police that they will take proper care of the dogs,” said Pathak.
Of the pets, the health of Yash and Baba is being monitored by veterinarian Dr Vikram Dave, but Hema passed away due to kidney failure.
The cause of the obesity of the pets, a cross between terrier and Indian breeds, is being investigated. “Some pets tend to become obese due to lack of exercise, overfeeding or internal organ failure. We urge people not to abandon their pets if they develop any ailment. They must take them to a vet for treatment,” said Pathak.
Animal welfare workers have been urging citizens not to buy foreign pedigree pets as these are not suited to India’s climate. Many foreign pedigrees fall ill or develop medical complications, after which some owners abandon them, which is illegal.