Delhi Court Pulls Up Animal Shelter for Defying Release Orders
A Delhi court has strongly criticized the Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre (SGACC) for refusing to return ten dogs to their rightful owner. The court found the NGO in clear violation of judicial orders.
Court's Stern Rebuke
Additional Sessions Judge Surabhi Sharma Vats of Karkardooma Court delivered a sharp order on Friday. She noted the SGACC's complete failure to comply with two separate court orders from August and December 2025.
"The applicant has miserably failed to comply with the orders despite repeated opportunities," stated Judge Vats in her ruling.
The judge emphasized that the shelter's conduct showed intentional and deliberate non-compliance with lawful court directives. She rejected the SGACC's revision petition challenging the release orders.
Sentient Beings Cannot Suffer
Judge Vats made a powerful statement about animal welfare in her order. "Sentient beings cannot be allowed to suffer on account of lame excuses or administrative delays," she declared.
The court found that the SGACC had been using false and evasive pleas to frustrate the execution of court orders. "The continued retention of the dogs amounts to gross misuse of authority," the judge observed.
Owner's Allegations
Vishal, the dogs' owner, presented serious allegations against the animal shelter. His pets were taken into custody by SGACC over cruelty allegations, but he claims the NGO had ulterior motives.
Vishal contended that:
- The shelter took his dogs for commercial exploitation and illegal trafficking
- Two of his dogs had reportedly been sold
- He was made to run from pillar to post to secure their release
He further submitted that he raised the dogs as his children and possessed all their medical records and vaccination cards.
Court's Additional Directions
The court has now directed the SGACC to file a comprehensive status report. This report must include:
- The total number of animals taken into custody to date
- The number of animals that died during custody
- The number of animals sold, adopted, or transferred
This directive aims to bring transparency to the shelter's operations and ensure proper accountability.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare organizations overstepping their authority. It also underscores the legal system's role in protecting both animal rights and pet owners' legitimate claims.
