Pets cannot be treated as property, Delhi High Court says in dog custody case

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has ruled that pets cannot be treated like ordinary property while deciding custody disputes, stressing that the emotional bond between animals and their caregivers must be taken into account.

The case involved three rescued pet dogs that were originally seized during a police raid linked to allegations of animal cruelty. After the rescue, the dogs were placed with an NGO, which later arranged for their adoption by new caregivers.

A dispute arose when a man claiming to be their original owner sought their return through a trial court order. The matter reached the High Court, which examined whether the dogs should remain with their adoptive families or be handed back.

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The court observed that animals form emotional attachments with the people who care for them, and separating them could cause distress. It noted that the focus at this stage was not on the broader cruelty allegations, which remain before the trial court, but on the welfare of the animals and their current living situation.

During the hearing, the person claiming ownership agreed to let the dogs stay with their adoptive families for now. It was also agreed that custody could be reconsidered later, depending on the outcome of the criminal case.

Following this, the court allowed the dogs to remain with their adoptive caregivers and directed that they be formally handed over through the investigating officer.