Cops rescue 16 cats at Pallavaram after animal activists smell a rat

Dr. Shiranee Pereira of People for Animals (PFA), which rescued these felines in the early hours of Friday, said their team has been getting an increased number of complaints regarding missing cats. “Our volunteers rescued 16 cats, which were caught by the community. This has been an ongoing problem since the past few years. In 2012, we had met all the leaders of this community across the city. But nothing was accomplished. We have been closely monitoring areas populated by these communities, like Otteri, Avadi, Pallavaram, Kotturpuram, Thiruvanmiyur and Red Hills. 

In addition, we have been getting many calls regarding missing cats, as house pets are easy targets for these gypsies. We believe that these cats are being caught for their meat, which is used as an alternative and sold to smaller shops in the vicinity,” said the animal rights activist. 

Antony Rubin, co-opted member of Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), said this illicit cat meat trade has been happening in these pockets. “There have been reports that cat meat is passed off as mutton, to drive a bigger profit margin and show lower price. This is sold to unsuspecting buyers. We want to conduct more such operations and send meat samples for analysis and eventually bust the trade,” he added. 

A police official, associated with the rescue, said a CSR was filed but no action was taken due to lack of proof. Commenting on the possibility of the cat meat trade, the official added, “We helped the animal welfare board team rescue the cats and filed a CSR. But as for the reports of the cat meat trade, there is no proof to suggest that it is happening.”