PIL in HC alleges rampant illegal dog breeding in Delhi

The Delhi High Court today sought the response of an animal welfare board on a petition which alleged that "rampant illegal breeding of pedigree dogs" was taking place in the national capital.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar issued notice to the Delhi Advisory Board for Animal Welfare and sought a status report on the plea which claimed that such breeding practices also contribute to rise in street dog population as canines are sold without sterilising them.

The public interest litigation (PIL) filed by animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi said that dogs meant for breeding are kept in horrible conditions and breeders induce back to back pregnancies to obtain at least two litters of pups every year.

The breeders, none of whom are registered, sell the pups even before they are weaned, leading to lack of resistance in them towards infections and many often succumb to diseases at a young age, the plea said.

It has sought directions to the Board to check the dog breeding establishments in the city and ensure that they comply with the rules.

Apart from that the PIL also sought directions to the authorities to create awareness programs for encouraging public to adopt Indian dogs.

The bench listed the matter for further hearing on November 14.