Telangana High Court Demands Fresh Veterinary Report on Rescued Dogs
The Telangana High Court has intervened in a distressing animal welfare case, ordering a detailed update on the condition of 37 dogs rescued from a cramped apartment in Hyderabad. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G M Mohiuddin issued the directive on Monday, responding to an appeal by the NGO People For Animals (PFA), Hyderabad. The court has mandated PFA to submit a new veterinary report assessing both the physical and psychological status of the animals, highlighting concerns over their well-being following the rescue operation.
Background of the Rescue Operation
The case originated last month when authorities rescued 37 dogs from a 3-BHK flat owned by Kameshwari Pidaparthi in a residential complex located in Gachibowli. The action was prompted by a complaint from 30 other residents of the housing society, who reported public nuisance due to the large number of animals confined in the apartment. Pidaparthi, an entrepreneur, claimed to be a fourth-generation dog rescuer, stating she had been sheltering rescued dogs at her flat for several years until they could be adopted out.
In October 2025, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) veterinary section issued a notice to Pidaparthi, requiring her to either shift the dogs from her flat or hand them over to an NGO within three days. She challenged this order in the high court, but a single-judge bench ruled against her on December 10, 2025. The judgment directed her to relocate the dogs within a month, failing which the GHMC was authorized to move them in accordance with legal provisions under the GHMC Act.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
By January 29, the single-judge bench noted that the dogs had been transferred to PFA's animal care centre in Nagole. The court granted Pidaparthi visitation rights to monitor the safety of the dogs at the shelter and instructed PFA not to shift the animals to another centre or give them up for adoption without further orders. Additionally, the court ruled that the rescued dogs should be returned to Pidaparthi if she informs the NGO and GHMC about alternative arrangements made for their care.
During the recent hearing, PFA's counsel, Vijay Paropkari, informed the bench that the dogs were rescued in severely poor condition and are currently undergoing medical and psychological rehabilitation. Tragically, five dogs died during this process. Paropkari argued that Pidaparthi lacks the financial and logistical capacity to care for the dogs and sought court permission to proceed with adoptions. He also presented a veterinary status report dated February 2, detailing the psychological and physical condition of the dogs 14 days post-rescue.
Implications and Next Steps
The high court's order for a fresh report underscores the urgency of addressing the health and welfare of the surviving dogs. This case raises critical questions about animal rescue practices, legal compliance, and the responsibilities of pet owners and NGOs in urban settings. As the court awaits the updated veterinary assessment, stakeholders are closely watching to ensure the dogs receive proper care and that future adoptions, if permitted, are handled responsibly. The outcome could set a precedent for similar animal welfare disputes in Telangana and beyond, emphasizing the need for balanced legal frameworks that protect both community interests and animal rights.
