Why Are Robust Veterinary Hospitals and Public Education Vital for Animal Welfare?

Why Are Robust Veterinary Hospitals and Public Education Vital for Animal Welfare?

According to the report by Next Move Strategy Consulting, the global Veterinary Market size is predicted to reach USD 172.76 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.5% from 2025-2030.

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In 2025, India and the United Kingdom are both taking significant strides to bolster animal health—from new veterinary infrastructure in Pune to research‐driven calls for better owner education on puppy importation.

1. Why Is a New Veterinary Hospital Being Set Up in Bhugaon?

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has revived its plan to establish a dedicated veterinary hospital in Bhugaon after a previous proposal in Hadapsar fell through. A 10,000 sq ft facility has been earmarked to provide round-the-clock treatment for both stray and pet animals.

  • Lease and Operation
    • The hospital will be operated by a private agency selected via tender, under a 30-year lease.
    • Stray animals will receive free treatment; pet animals will be treated at nominal charges as per the Animal Husbandry Department guidelines.
  • Emergency Coverage
    • PMC receives 15–20 injury complaints daily.
    • Five animal rescue vehicles (one per municipal zone) will transport injured dogs, cats, and other small animals to the facility.

Summary

The new veterinary hospital in Bhugaon will:

  • Ensure 24×7 access to quality care for stray and pet animals.
  • Leverage public–private partnership for sustainable operations.
  • Employ dedicated rescue vehicles for rapid response.

2. What Services Will the Veterinary Hospital in Bhugaon Provide?

PMC’s chief veterinary officer anticipates a comprehensive range of services to meet Pune’s growing animal-care needs:

  1. Emergency and Critical Care
    • Intensive care unit for trauma and severe illnesses.
  2. Outpatient Services
  3. Surgical Procedures
    • Spaying/neutering, tumor removals, fracture repair.
  4. Diagnostics and Imaging
    • On-site blood tests, ultrasonography, and radiography.
  5. Community Outreach
    • Mobile clinics for under-served areas; sterilization camps.

Summary

The Bhugaon hospital will:

  • Deliver holistic clinical care under one roof.
  • Support preventive health through vaccinations and sterilization.
  • Enhance community trust via outreach programmes.

3. Why Is Public Education on the Risks of Puppy Importation Necessary?

A Royal Veterinary College (RVC) survey of over 7,000 UK residents—including a random sample of 4,000 responses—revealed major knowledge gaps on disease risks and importation regulations.

In a Royal Veterinary College survey of more than 7,000 United Kingdom residents, 99.2 % had heard of rabies, whereas only 23.1 % were aware of the parasite-borne disease hepatozoonosis. When asked to identify specific importation risks, 89.2 % correctly recognised rabies as a threat, but just 55.8 % identified Brucella canis. Awareness of heartworm, leishmaniasis, and babesiosis ranged from only 16.7 % to 27.2 %. Less than half of those surveyed knew that puppies must be at least eight weeks old to enter the country legally (48.6 %), and only 45.9 % appreciated that an EU Pet Passport does not guarantee a disease-free animal.

  • Legislative Context
    • MPs recently backed tougher import measures in a private members’ bill.
  • Veterinary Role
    • Professionals are urged to support an education campaign on exotic-disease risks.

Summary

Public education must:

  • Address low awareness of less common zoonoses.
  • Clarify importation rules to prevent illegal trade.
  • Leverage veterinary expertise to shift owner behaviour.

4. How Can Veterinary Professionals Enhance Puppy Importation Awareness?

Veterinary teams are ideally positioned to lead owner education:

  • Client Consultations
    • Include brief explainer leaflets on exotic diseases.
  • Practice Signage and Social Media
    • Display posters summarizing key risks and legal requirements.
  • Community Workshops
    • Partner with shelters and pet shops for informational sessions.
  • Professional Advocacy
    • Collaborate with local authorities to support enforcement of import regulations.

Summary

By incorporating targeted education into routine practice, veterinarians can:

  • Close knowledge gaps on exotic diseases.
  • Discourage illegal puppy trade through informed decision-making.
  • Promote responsible ownership that protects public and animal health.

Next Steps

  1. Develop an Outreach Plan
    • Draft a schedule for community camps and in-clinic education over the next 6 months.
  2. Create Educational Materials
    • Design leaflets and posters on puppy importation risks and vet hospital services.
  3. Engage Local Authorities
    • Liaise with municipal officials to support the Bhugaon facility launch and legal enforcement.
  4. Train Veterinary Staff
    • Organize in-service sessions on exotic-disease identification and owner communication.
  5. Monitor Outcomes
    • Establish metrics (e.g., number of rescued animals treated, owner awareness surveys) to evaluate impact.
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