High Court Calls For Chandigarh Municipal Corporation's Response On Plea Seeking Cremation Facility For Deceased Pets

The Punjab & Haryana High Court on Monday sought a response from UT Administration, Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali on Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed seeking directions to provide a facility for the cremation of dead pet animals.

Considering the petition, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal issued notice to Chandigarh Administration, the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali.

Shruti Sharma, an advocate by profession moved High Court highlighting that there is no facility to dispose of dead animals in the Chandigarh Tricity (Panchkula and Mohali). 

The plea refers to Rules of Chandigarh Registration of Pet Dogs By Laws-2010, wherein it is stated that the, "The Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh may provide a van for the disposal/burial of dead dogs in earmarked dog burial grounds on a request so received by it. The owner shall pay charges for availing the services of the van at the rates prescribed by the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation and so revised from time to time."

"There is neither any notified/earmarked place-atleast in the public domain. There is no van either, nor any prescribed rates", the petitioner stated in the plea.

Furthermore, the plea also refers to Animal Birth Control Rules under which the local authority is obligated to install incinerators for the disposal of organs and carcasses and where an incinerator is not feasible, a deep burial method may be adopted by it.

Stating that "animals too have a right akin to human beings in the context of the right to life, and irresponsible burial/disposal of animal carcass poses environmental hazards",  the plea seeks direction on the authorities to set up a crematorium (electric or otherwise) for providing a reasonably dignified cremation to animals, including pets.

It is worthwhile to mention that earlier this year, the High Court had said, that, "animals may be mute but we as a society have to speak on their behalf and no pain or agony should be caused to the animals....The animals have a right to life and bodily integrity, honor and dignity. Animals cannot be treated merely as property."

The matter is listed for September 23, for further consideration.

Advocate Kshitij Sharma appeared for the petitioner.

Title: Shruti Sharma v. U.T. Administration and others