A SINGULAR INSTITUTION.

Patea Mail, 18 March 1882, Page 1 (Supplement)

A SINGULAR INSTITUTION.

Among the peculiar institutions of Bombay is the “ pinjarapole,” a refuge for sick and ill-used animals, which is supported by Hindus and Parsees, who regard life as so sacred that on no account must it be destroyed. - Mrs. Guthrie in her “Life in Western India,” gives the following description of this remarkable establishment:— The pinjarapole lies just off one of the main thoroughfares j its high, black walls enclose an area of 2000 square yards, and the ground on which it stands must be very valuable. We were civilly received by a Hindu youth who conducted us over the place. It had somewhat the appearance of a dreary Zoological Garden; but although there was no attempt to make it look pretty, there was cleanliness, order, plenty of water, and a good supply of food. A square in the centre enclosed by palings, was occupied by animals that were munching from bundles of dried grass with evident satisfaction. Round the walls ran low houses and sheds, the manager and veterinary surgeon living in the former, and the latter sheltering the beasts. Opposite the door by which we entered was a well-barred cage, containing a couple of fierce and hideously ugly baboons, which, with a pair of porcupines that had a right to be fretful, were the only creatures that had the air of being badly provided for. One longed to restore them to their native jungles. Flocks of pigeons were circling in the air; a curious breed of ducks, with very red wattles, came quacking up ; pensive pea-hen regarded us from the the top of the wall, and we were closely followed by a lame donkey. There were said to be turtles in the tank, but they did not put in an appearance. “ What a beautiful animal,” I exclaimed, pointing to a creature at the door of a shed. It had a coat like satin, a deep pendant dew-lap, and soft clear eyes. “ What is it here for ?” “It is blind,” was the reply. “ All the bullocks in this shed are blind. There are above 50.” In an open shed with bars in front, were a number of dogs terribly afflicted with mange. As they were very clean and had plenty of water, it is to be hoped that they enjoyed life after a fashion. Another collection of dogs appeared healthy. They had probably been rescued from cruel treatment. We inquired for the reptiles and insects, but they were kept at one of the country establishments along with cats, deer, pigs, sheep, poultry, monkeys, snakes, and a large collection of vermin. The snakes, after a time, are taken into a jungle ar some uninhabited spot and set free. Horses are also sent out of the town. We were finally conducted to a closed building; a man unlocked the door, and returned with a handful of weevily grain from the bazaars, which he invited us to inspect. As it contained life it could not be destroyed.