The pet crematorium at Sumanahalli, billed as the third pet crematorium in the country, has been craving for the attention of the authorities concerned. The pet crematorium was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2.35 crore, and its construction was completed in 15 months. It is the only crematorium for the entire Bengaluru to cremate streeties and pets.
Cremation has been halted at this facility for over two weeks, with no immediate plans to reopen the crematorium. Sources say the BBMP Executive Engineer (Electrical) identified the rusted chimney during an inspection on December 30, 2024. On January 3 this year, a letter was sent to the BBMP Executive Engineer (Projects), urging a visit to the pet crematorium to assess the chimney’s condition and take necessary steps for its replacement.
However, the BBMP Executive Engineer (Projects) did not address the issue. The rusted chimney came crashing down due to heavy rain and strong winds on April 14. The pet crematorium became defunct on April 15, and authorities have yet to begin repairs, even two weeks after the letter was written to the BBMP official in charge of projects.
It may be recalled that Revenue Minister Krishne Gowda, on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shiva Kumar, stated in the Assembly in December 2024 that the government planned to construct three electric crematoria for stray and pet dogs at Shettihalli in Dasarahalli Zone and Yelahanka and Medihalli in Bengaluru East. While replying to a query from Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, the Revenue Minister said the government has identified locations for constructing electric crematoria for stray and pet dogs.
Bangalore Mirror published a story, “Government plans 3 new animal crematoriums in Bengaluru” on December 19, 2024, narrating how the proposed crematoria will help pet parents from Yelahanka, Mahadevapura and faraway places in Bengaluru who want a dignified and hassle-free farewell for their pets.
Now, animal lovers and pet parents are up in arms against the BBMP for not taking measures to reopen the pet crematorium at Sumanahalli. They said that the non-functioning animal crematorium continues to be a source of great pain to grieving parents, as well as shelters that take the dogs there for cremation.
Ajita Vijayan, a pet parent, wanted a dignified cremation for her dog, which died on February 18, but was told the crematorium was not functioning.
“I do not want pet parents, who are already under trauma, to experience more problems like the non-availability of facilities for the cremation of pets. Finally, I have to go to a private burial ground for pets. Burial at the private burial ground for pets is expensive, and not all pet parents can afford to pay such an amount of money,’’ said Ajita Vijayan.
Priya Chetty-Rajagopal, Founder of CJ Memorial Trust, said, “So many grieving, heartbroken pet parents have brought dogs or cats to Sumanhali crematorium only to be turned back, saying the facilities are not working.
First, we were told one week, then we were told three weeks, and right now, no one is taking responsibility.”
