Calcutta HC seeks report on enforcement of Animal Protection Laws; flags illegal pet breeding and sales in unregistered shops [Read Order]

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has issued a notice on a plea seeking a report on the implementation of animal protection laws in West Bengal, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and related rules.

A division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya was hearing a public interest litigation filed by CAPE Foundation, a public charitable trust.

The court directed the State Government to file a report in the form of an affidavit detailing the steps taken to implement the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, with particular focus on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding & Marketing) Rules, 2017, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018.

Chief Justice Sivagnanam noted: “The petitioner, which is a public charitable trust, has flagged a very important and sensitive issue, which we hope and trust the State of West Bengal will appropriately respond to on the next hearing date.”

The petitioner alleged that despite comprehensive rules issued in 2017 and 2018, pets such as dogs were being sold through unregistered shops across West Bengal, in violation of animal protection laws.

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The court also directed that notice be served to the Ministry of Law and Justice to enable counsel nomination for the 5th respondent.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 26, 2024.
 

 [Read Order]