After 15 years of cherished companionship, Kajal Bhateja bid a tearful adieu to her beloved Labrador Retriever, Gucci, in a heartwarming tribute. Gucci, a playful member of the family, took his last breath on February 7. In an emotional farewell, 43-year-old Kajal ensured that her loyal canine companion received an honourable farewell at Mumbai’s first pet crematorium in Malad.
“Gucci was with me for 15 years, we literally aged together. He wasn’t just a companion; he was family. Letting him go without dignity was unthinkable. The pet cemetery brought solace, ensuring he departed with love and dignity. Kajal admitted, “Without it, I honestly don’t know what I would have done.”
She even collected the ash of Gucci. And performed ‘Asthi Visarjan’ at Marve Ghat.
Kajal is not alone in benefiting from BMC’s recently inaugurated, cost-free pet cemetery. Opened to the public in September, the facility swiftly became a sanctuary for pet owners seeking a dignified farewell for their beloved animals. Operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the pet crematorium has already conducted final rites for 560 animals, with 80% being deceased stray dogs and cats brought in by NGOs or locals. This underscores the community’s commitment to offering a respectful farewell, even to the city’s most overlooked animals. The pet cemetery stands as a symbol of compassion for Mumbai’s pets and their owners.
Until now, the absence of affordable pet cemeteries posed challenges for many pet owners. Even NGOs faced difficulties in handling the final arrangements for stray animals. While there is a pet cemetery in Parel, the costs, averaging over Rs 2,000, vary depending on the size of the animal, making it less accessible for many.
“Animals deserve a dignified farewell, inspiring the establishment of this pet crematorium. Operated on electricity and eco-friendly principles, the facility features walls adorned with beautiful paintings of animals like cats and dogs to provide solace to grieving owners,” said Assistant Municipal Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar.
In total, 46 pet dogs and 319 stray dogs have been cremated since its inauguration. Additionally, 180 stray and pet cats have been laid to rest in the cemetery. The compassionate services extend beyond traditional pets, as the crematorium has seen the inclusion of smaller animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. In total, 15 such animals and birds have been cremated.
As it is a free-of-cost service, many people from poor economic backgrounds also come to the centre for cremation. For larger animals, we will set up one more crematorium in Deonar soon,” said Dr Kaleem Pathan, the general manager in charge of Deonar abbatoir.
Before animal cremation, a death certificate from a registered veterinarian (Municipal or private, at the Dog Sterilization Centre) is required. Those bringing stray animals must provide identity proof and address proof.
Talking to The Indian Express, Mohammad Wasim, a site engineer, shared touching scenes of owners treating pet farewells with human-like reverence. A table is set with flowers, cherished clothes, and toys for a heartfelt final goodbye. The cemetery features a plate with kumkum and haldi from past ceremonies, enhancing the ritualistic farewell. ‘The goodbyes are nothing different than that of humans,’ he said.
“The goodbyes are nothing different than that of humans,” he said.
The pet crematorium runs on electricity and takes approximately one hour for the cremation of a 50kg animal. The ashes of the cremated pets are carefully collected and provided to the grieving owners, allowing them to keep a tangible memory of their cherished companions. The cremation centre is open from 10 AM until 6 PM every day. ‘Additionally, a mortuary for small pets will soon be introduced,’ said Dr Pathan.
The establishment of Mumbai’s first pet crematorium fulfils a long-standing demand of the city’s pet lovers who have advocated for a dignified and compassionate way to bid farewell to their animals. Dr JC Khanna, the former medical superintendent of the city’s largest veterinary hospital, Bai Sakerbai Dinshaw Petit hospital in Parel, welcomed the move. He said, “Offering a goodbye with dignity through a pet cemetery is essential. We need more pet crematoriums in other parts of the city to make those centres approachable and also, run those around-the-clock, even at night.”
