"Disclose Status Of Animals Of Circuses Which Have Closed Down": Delhi HC Seeks Animal Welfare Board Of India's Response On PETA's Plea

The Delhi High Court has sought response of the Animal Welfare Board of India on a plea filed by People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) regarding the status of animals of circuses that have closed down.

A division bench comprising of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet Singh directed the Animal Welfare Board of India to file an affidavit disclosing details of such animals and posted the matter for further hearing on November 29.

The development came after Advocate Aman Hingorani appearing for PETA, submitted before the Court that the affidavit filed by AWBI in terms of last year's order did not specifically disclose the status of such animals.

"Mr. Rajesh Kumar Gogna, Advocate who appears for respondent No. 3 should ensure that a further affidavit is filed, disclosing the status of the said animals within the next three weeks," the Court directed.

The Court had earlier directed AWBI to file an affidavit disclosing the status with regard to the animals that all the circuses had as per its records, particularly in respect of the circuses which are closed down.

Furthermore, the Court also said that the affidavit must also indicate the fate of the animals in those circuses.

The plea sought direction to be issued to the Union of India, AWBI, Central Zoo Authority and registered circuses to ensure immediate prohibition on training and exhibition of performing animals in circuses and mobile entertainment facilities.

Additionally, the plea also separately challenged the validity of Section 21-27 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to the extent that they permit exhibition and training of animals for circuses.

Earlier, the High Court allowed People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) to participate in the survey conducted by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to identify the condition of animals who are kept in circuses.

Title: PEOPLE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS, (PETA) INDIA v. UNION OF INDIA, THROUGH ITS SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA & ORS

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