Pune, Maharashtra [India]: Authorities intervened in a residential apartment in Pune’s Marvel Bounty Society after around 300 cats were found in a single flat, following complaints from neighbors about unhygienic conditions, officials reported on Monday.
According to the police, a flat owner had been rescuing and feeding stray cats, nursing them back to health before releasing them. However, the increasing number of cats created sanitation issues, leading to discomfort among other residents.
Inspector Nilesh Jagdale addressed the situation, stating, “The owner of an apartment in Marvel Bounty Society would often bring stray cats home and release them when they became healthy. Due to this, many cats had accumulated in the apartment, creating unhygienic conditions, which disturbed the neighbors.”
He further added, “The flat on the ninth floor has been housing several cats, causing foul smells in the society. After complaints, a team visited the flat and served a notice to shift the cats.”
Authorities Issue Notice, Plan Rescue Efforts
Following a survey of the apartment, the Municipal Corporation issued a notice to the flat owner, instructing them to release the cats within two days.
“The neighbors called the Municipal Corporation, and its officials reached the apartment, surveyed the flats, and notified the owner that all the cats would be released within two days. No case has been registered yet. We will consult senior officials and corporation authorities to determine further legal action. The cats will go into the possession of the Municipal Corporation and will be rescued,” Jagdale stated.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for better animal care facilities and the responsibility of pet owners to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in shared residential spaces. Authorities are working on a plan to ensure the rescued cats receive proper care.