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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Delhi Government to submit an affidavit before the bench informing about the steps taken for the implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018 ['Pet Shop Rules']. 

A bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Amit Sharma was hearing a plea that stated that by not implementing the pet shop rules, the Delhi Government's actions are affecting animal welfare negatively and preventing compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The plea filed by Dr. Asher Jesudoss and others through Advocate Supriya Juneja submitted that the Pet Shop Rules statutorily obligate the formation and functioning of State Animal Welfare Boards, which play a regulatory role in overseeing animal trade and breeding including the registration of pet shops.

It further alleged that despite the notification of the Pet Shop Rules as far back as 2018, the Delhi Government blatantly ignored its responsibilities and failed to register even a single Pet Shop in Delhi to date.

"The complete inaction and abdication of statutory duties by the Respondents are leading to the unnecessary pain and suffering and cruelty to animals (domesticated animals as well as Wildlife from India and abroad) due to unregulated Pet Shops across the State", the plea added.

Furthermore, it alleged that the state authorities have repeatedly failed to bring any illegal pet shop owners to book which has not only caused animal welfare to be severely compromised but also a revenue loss to the State Government. 

Case Title: Dr. Asher Jesudoss & Ors Vs. Govt. Of NCT of Delhi & Ors.