Kolkata: State Animal Resource department is planning to set up the first crematorium for pets near Armenian Ghat in the city at an approximate cost of Rs 25 lakh.
The CSPCA, Asia's second animal hospital situated on the B B Ganguly Street, which works under the state animal welfare board is the nodal agency to carry out the project. They are awaiting clearance from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT).
Superintendent of CSPCA, Dr Samir Shil said the proposal has been sent to KMC for its clearance as the civic body will extend technical support to complete the project. According to Dr Shil, CSPCA had got around one cottah of land in lease from the KoPT near Armenian ghat where the proposed pet crematorium would be constructed.
According to the plans, a small electrical furnace will be set up initially where dogs, cats and other small animals will be cremated. It would cost the department around Rs 25 lakh for setting up the
crematorium.
Dr Shil said it would be the state first pet crematorium in the state. It also awaits the clearance from the KoPT following which the construction works would begin. The domestic pets and street dogs will be cremated here. Initially, there will be one electrical furnace while one more will be set up later on.
It may be mentioned here that in an earlier initiative, the CSPCA has constructed air-conditioned kennels inside the hospital premises on the B B Ganguly a few days ago.
According to an official of the hospital, it can serve as a 'holiday home' for dogs, who can be kept there for a long time. The initiative will cater to a section of people who often go to other states and abroad with no one to look after their pets back home. This is completely a new initiative where pets will be kept in AC accommodation, claimed the official.
People in the city often face difficulties with their pets while deciding where to keep them when going outside the country. These kennels will be immensely beneficial for those who cannot always travel with their pets due to some obligations. As many as 10 dogs can be accommodated in the initial phase.
"There are crèches for dogs but this is completely a new initiative where pets will also get medical attention during their short stay in the kennels," an official of CSPCA said.