Chennai: Weak and malnourished, a dozen pedigree dogs including rottweilers, pitbulls, boxers, dachshunds, beagles and an American bully were rescued from a breeder’s house at Sholinganallur on Sunday. The operation was carried out by officials from the State Animal Welfare Board following a complaint.
Shruthi Vinoth, a board member, said the complaint alleged neglect and poor care by the breeder. Though alerted in advance, the team initially struggled to locate the house.
Repeated calls to the breeder went unanswered, leading the board to seek police assistance. With police intervention, the exact location was traced, and access granted. Inside, the team found the dogs weak and malnourished. One of the dogs died prior to the rescue, and many others were found in critical condition, Shruthi said.
The breeder, Mahesh, told authorities that he left the animals in the care of one of his workers. He said the worker failed to feed or care for them.
The surviving dogs were taken to veterinary clinics for emergency care. Some were treated at the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary in Besant Nagar, while others were admitted to Sanchu Hospital and Paws and Claws on East Coast Road.
A police complaint has been filed. The full extent of recovery will only be known once they receive sustained medical care.