HC summons official in animal welfare case

The Karnataka High Court has asked a senior official from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services to be present before the court at the next hearing.

A division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy was hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by Compassion Unlimited Plus Action, an animal welfare organisation that has challenged the failure of the BBMP and the Animal Husbandry Department to reconstitute the State Animal Welfare Board.

The court has called upon the official to inform the court regarding the constitution of the SAWB and the mechanism adopted for licensing/registration of pets.

The petitioner has also challenged the non-implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (pet shop) Rules 2018 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017.

The petitioner has sought directions to BBMP and the Animal Husbandry Department to reconstitute the State Animal Welfare Board to address the issue of illegal breeders and pet shop owners in Bengaluru.