In the Tamil Nadu dog breeding case, the Supreme Court told PETA, “We don’t want extra constitutional bodies to be involved in everything,” while hearing its plea challenging state rules on dog breeding regulation.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India instructed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to conduct a new inspection of the dog breeding units operated by the Department of Animal Husbandry of the State of Tamil Nadu.
This decision came while denying a request from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to participate in the inspection.
A Bench consisting of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the State of Tamil Nadu concerning the ongoing operation of the dog breeding unit.
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In response to PETA’s request during the hearing, Justice Gavai stated,
“We don’t want this extra statutory… extra constitutional bodies to be involved in everything.”
Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing PETA, had argued for the organization’s presence during the inspection. However, the Court rejected this request, reiterating its reluctance to involve non-statutory bodies in every aspect of such proceedings.
Senior Advocate Manisha Karia, representing the AWBI, suggested that a fresh inspection by the AWBI itself could effectively resolve the matter.
She stated,
“I have a suggestion for this. This is a government body. State of Tamil Nadu has framed a policy in 2024, which they have not disclosed in their affidavit whether they have complied with or not. So, either AWBI inspect it afresh or they file an affidavit with entire details whether they are compliant of rules framed by their own state and with central rules as well. That will serve the purpose… because they are breeding the four local breeds, which are very important breeds…the Army are taking it… We do not want that to be shut down. It’s a loss to the country then. Their affidavit says that they have given funds to develop that unit…so let us see what they have done…”
Senior Advocate V Giri, representing the State of Tamil Nadu, submitted that the State would not oppose a fresh inspection but expressed,
“I am saying let there be an independent body.”
However, the Court questioned the State’s apparent hesitation to involve the central authority, the AWBI. Giri responded,
“They had taken a harsh view against us…”
Ultimately, the Court acknowledged the agreement among the parties and issued an order,
“The parties agree that it will be appropriate that a fresh inspection of the dog breeding unit run by the Department of Animal Husbandry of Tamil Nadu is conducted. We direct the Animal Welfare Board of India to conduct a fresh inspection of both the units and submit a report within 12 weeks.”
Notably, on February 13, 2017, the Supreme Court had stayed the Madras High Court’s judgment, which had directed the closure of the dog breeding unit.
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On the State’s SLP, the Apex Court had stayed the portion of the order which read,
“In view of the order dated 04.08.2014, the Dog Breeding Unit run by the Animal Husbandry Department of the Tamil Nadu State Government is required to be closed down within two (2) months from today. The Dogs in the unit would be rehabilitated with the assistance of the Animal Welfare Board of India.”
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world. Founded in 1980, PETA focuses on ending animal cruelty through public education, investigations, legislation, celebrity involvement, and protests.
It mainly campaigns against animal abuse in areas like factory farming, the clothing trade, laboratories, and the entertainment industry.
Case Title: State Of Tamil Nadu & Anr. V. People For Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) India & Anr. (SLP (C) No. 3822/2017)