A Delhi court has come down heavily on the Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre for failing to comply with judicial orders related to the custody of ten dogs seized during a criminal investigation. The Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) at Shahdara made it clear that animal welfare cannot be reduced to paperwork excuses, stressing that animals are “living, sentient beings” and not case property.
Background of the Case
The matter arose from a revision petition filed by the Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre against an order dated August 11, 2025, passed by a Judicial Magistrate at Karkardooma Courts. The trial court had directed that ten dogs, seized in FIR No. 369/2025 registered at Jagat Puri police station, be released to the accused, Vishal.
The animal shelter challenged this order, arguing that handing the dogs back to the accused defeated the purpose of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Matters escalated when a subsequent order on December 24, 2025, directed the shelter to hand over the dogs within seven days, prompting the revisionist to seek urgent hearing due to repeated visits by the investigating officer for compliance
Court’s Observations
The court noted at the outset that there was no stay on the original order and expressed strong displeasure over the shelter’s failure to comply. The explanation that the centre housed nearly 6,000 animals and faced staff shortages during the New Year was rejected.
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“The explanations offered are totally unsatisfactory, evasive, and lacking in bona fides,” the judge observed, adding that any organisation claiming to run an animal shelter is expected to maintain proper identification, medical records, and traceability.
In a pointed remark, the court said, “Animals are not inanimate objects or disposable items. They are living, sentient beings, entitled to life, dignity, and proper care under the law.”
The judge also found it alarming that the shelter had told the trial court that some of the dogs might have died while in custody, noting that no court had yet recorded any finding of cruelty against the accused. Allegations of neglect, the court clarified, remained claims, not judicial conclusions.
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Directions Issued by the Court
Given the seriousness of the disclosures, the court directed the animal care centre to file a detailed sworn status report. This report must include case-wise details of animals taken into custody, records of animals returned to owners, deaths during custody with veterinary proof, and details of animals adopted, sold, or transferred.
The court also sought clarity on record-keeping practices, tagging or microchipping systems, veterinary supervision, and reasons for delays in complying with court orders.
The matter has been listed for further hearing and arguments on January 16, 2026
Case Title: Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre vs. State & Anr.
Case Number: Criminal Revision No. 175/2025 with IA No. 01/2026
Date of Order: 13 January 2026
