The Delhi High Court recently criticized the Animal Husbandry Department for its ineffective handling of measures to curb illegal dog breeding.

The bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela held that “Secretary, Animal Husbandry, GNCTD shall file a personal affidavit within a week clearly disclosing as to what steps have been taken and what steps it intends to take immediately to check and control illegal dog breeding in the city”. 

In 2018, a writ petition was filed to address the issue of illegal dog breeding establishments in Delhi. However, despite the extended duration of the case, the court observed that the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) had failed to submit any status reports detailing the measures or actions taken to tackle illegal dog breeding in the city.

During the recent hearing, Rakesh Singh, Director of Animal Husbandry, GNCTD, appeared personally before the court. However, the court found no clarity or new information from his interaction regarding the steps taken to address the issue. Expressing disappointment over the lack of progress, the court highlighted that incidents of dog bites had risen over the six years the petition had remained pending.

The Court directed the Secretary of Animal Husbandry, GNCTD, to submit a personal affidavit within one week, detailing the steps taken so far and the immediate measures planned to curb and prevent illegal dog breeding in the city.  

The court also cautioned that if the affidavit failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, it might instruct the Chief Secretary of GNCTD to initiate disciplinary action against the officers accountable for years of inaction. The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on December 5, 2024.