The Delhi High Court has ordered the government to clarify its stance on dog breeders amid allegations of illegal operations during a PIL hearing. The court expressed concerns over the government’s claim of no breeders in Delhi and emphasized accountability in enforcing animal welfare regulations. A follow-up hearing is set for May 2025.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Delhi government to clarify its position on the existence of dog breeders in the city amidst allegations of illegal breeding operations. This came during the hearing of a PIL addressing the control of unregulated dog breeding centers in the national capital.
A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the government to submit a status report outlining the steps proposed to tackle violations by pet shop owners under existing animal welfare rules.
The Delhi government claimed that “there are no breeders in Delhi and therefore, no further action is required under the breeding rules.”
However, the court expressed reservations, noting the “broad definition of breeders” under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2017 and 2018. It directed the government to file an affidavit detailing its stand on the matter and the measures taken to determine whether breeders exist within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
The government’s counsel informed the court that an exercise for registering pet shop owners is ongoing and will be completed within 90 days. Following this, steps would be taken to ensure compliance with the relevant rules.
The counsel assured that any pet shop owner found violating the laws, whether registered or unregistered, would face appropriate action.
The court further sought an update on the registration exercise’s status and actions proposed against violators. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on May 7, 2025.
The PIL, which has been pending for over six years, highlights the alarming rise in cases of dog bites and the lack of measures to curb illegal dog breeding in Delhi.
The court criticized the animal husbandry department of the Delhi government for its inaction despite the prolonged pendency of the plea. It directed the department’s secretary to file an affidavit listing:
- Measures already undertaken to address illegal breeding.
- Future steps planned to regulate such practices effectively.
Previously, the court instructed authorities to submit a detailed road map, including timelines, for implementing:
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2018.
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2017.
This ongoing case underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring animal welfare and addressing public safety concerns stemming from unregulated breeding practices.
The High Court’s scrutiny signals a critical push for accountability and stringent enforcement of animal welfare regulations in Delhi.
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