Bombay High Court Issues Notice To Union Govt On 'Unfortunate Condition' Of Dogs Retired From Various Central & State Services

Hearing two civil applications filed in the suo moto court proceedings initiated in the year 2016 taking into account the plight of a dog by the name ''Reno'', a labrador who worked in the Railway Protection force, the Bombay High Court last week issued notice to the Central Government.

Filing two applications, the attention of the Court and the society, in general, was drawn to the unfortunate condition of some of the dogs who have retired from various Central and State services, after having rendered meritorious service.

As an instance, the applications pointed to the case of one dog named 'Lucky'.

Advocate SS Sanyal, the Amicus Curiae in the matter, submitted that in spite of the reply filed by the Defence Ministry that there is a policy of taking care of and looking after the old and worn out dogs, the policy was not being seen on the ground.

The amicus further cited the case of 'Lucky', who was allegedly found as being in bad shape sitting in the corner of some street of the City of Saoner. Therefore, suitable directions were sought through these applications.

In view of this, the Bench of Justice Sunil B. Shukre and Justice Anil S. Kilor issued notice to the respondents for final disposal at the admission stage, returnable after four weeks.

Importantly, in the year 2018, the Court had directed that, if after retirement the animals like dogs, horse, etc. are being left unattended, concern department should be permitted to device an ad­hoc policy so that the animals are well looked after. 

The  ASG appearing for Union of India had also made a statement that a detailed proposal to eliminate euthanasia of old and worn out army animals and their suitable rehabilitation during their lifetime was under active consideration.

Case title - Court on its own motion v. Union of India and others 

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