Chennai: The Madras high court has ordered notice to authorities on a petition seeking closure of government-run breeding unit in Saidapet since it was in a mess.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice R.K. Agrawal and Justice K. Ravichandra Baabu ordered notice to animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries department, dog breeding unit, Saidapet veterinary government hospital, and animal welfare board of India, returnable by four weeks.
In the petition, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) contended that the dog breeding unit run by the government violated rules of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960 and the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) rules 2001.
The association prayed for a direction to the authorities to relinquish the dogs to them for proper treatment and care which the dogs of the breeding unit required immediately.
The unit, established in 1980-81 by the government with a view to preserve the native dog breeds of the state. The unit was involved in acquiring parent, raising and maintaining the breeds and selling the pups to the public. The association contended that unit was not equipped with proper facilities and hence they filed the petition.
