INADEQUATE: Animals go through pain owing to poor infrastructure in unauthorised shelters.

BANGALORE: The recent raid on the People For Animal's shelter is the result of a petition in the Supreme Court questioning the legality of rescue and rehabilitation centres not authorised by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

In its petition before the Supreme Court, the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has charged that poor infrastructure in unauthorised shelters and zoos has led to unnecessary pain and suffering of animals housed in them. PETA has sought the closure of all unrecognised zoos and unauthorised rescue and rehabilitation centres.

According to the petition filed in 2006 and pending before the Supreme Court, the Wildlife Protection Act makes it mandatory for zoos and those involved in rescue and rehabilitation of animals to get recognition from the CZA for legally carrying out their activity. The CZA, which regulates and supervises the establishment and management, stipulates inter alia the replication of the natural habitat and maintenance of hygienic conditions.

In Karnataka, the CZA recognises 15 zoos and parks. These include the Bannerghatta National Park in Bangalore, Sri Chamundeshwari Zoological Gardens in Mysore, Tiger and Lion Safari in Shimoga, Kittur Rani Channamma Nisarga Dhama in Belgaum and Pililkula Wildlife Safari at Madushedde in Mangalore. Among those not given recognition by the CZA include Antaragange Children Park in Kolar, Children's Mini Zoo in Dharwad, Children's Mini Park in Sirsi, Mini Zoo in Induval Nature Park in Mandya, Mini Zoo and Kaiwara Tapowana in Kolar.

The CZA has withheld the applications filed by the PFA, the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Bannerghatta run by Compassion Unlimited Plus Action, Karuna Animal Shelter Cum Rescue Home and Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Trust, the petition stated.

The CZA has asked the rescue centres to comply with certain conditions.

These include appropriate housing and veterinary facilities, a collection plan and submission of annual inventory report to the CZA about the births, deaths, acquisitions and disposal of wild animals.

In a follow-up to the petition the Karnataka Forest Department has directed its Deputy Conservator of Forests to submit reports on the condition of the zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centres.

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