New Delhi: A court made scathing remarks on an animal shelter, observing that the facility was “not a guardian of animals, but a custodian”. The case stems from the seizure of 10 dogs of petitioner Vishal by Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre, which alleged that the animals were being subjected to cruelty.
However, it later failed to substantiate the allegations.
As a result, the trial court directed the release of the dogs multiple times — the first time in Aug 2025, then Dec 2025, and on Jan 13, when it sought a detailed report on the animals. On Jan 16, the shelter failed to submit the report, citing “paucity of time.” The court asked it to immediately release the dogs.Additional sessions judge Surabhi Sharma Vats said shelters are duty-bound to safeguard animal life and dignity. The shelter’s explanation about the animals was “totally unsatisfactory”, the court said. The shelter claimed that all 10 dogs were in its custody, while also stating that the animals “might have died”, the court observed. TNN
