Chennai: The administration and operations of the historical Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is now under a cloud with some animal lovers crying foul over the mismanagement of public funds. SPCA life members and insiders are demanding a CBI probe, alleging that the sprawling properties of the Chennai SPCA located in Vepery are being misused for personal gain. The Animal Welfare Board of India, which had suspended its grant to the SPCA a few years ago, also warned the SPCA to ensure transparency in its operations.
A copy of a confidential letter by SPCA insiders has been served to its 400 life members and levels a series of allegations against the existing office bearers of the Chennai SPCA. “The sprawling space earmarked for animal welfare activities is now rented to construct new hotels and private buildings, violating the basic principles of the SPCA. The present secretary T. Thiyagarajan and joint secretary D Sheghar function with vested interests, entering in to non-transparent lease contracts,” read a copy of letter available with DC.
When contacted, SPCA secretary Thiyagarajan denied the allegations and said that the issues pertaining to the SPCA administration were there even before he assumed charge in 2012. Some insiders who were silent all these years are raking up the issue, he said. “My hands are clean and I have not promoted any real estate or construction activities in SPCA properties,” he said.
Responding to the issue, Animal Welfare Board of India secretary M. Ravi Kumar admitted that the board has received complaints against the SPCA for irregularities. “They have been warned, but there are no legal provisions for immediate action. However in case there is any violation while attending to animals, the AWBI will chip in,” Ravi Kumar told DC, when contacted.
