Overview
- Additional Sessions Judge Surabhi Sharma Vats directed that the dogs be released forthwith to owner Vishal, noting there is no stay on the trial-court orders of August 11 and December 24, 2025.
- The court termed the NGO’s explanations “evasive” and said continued retention amounted to gross misuse of authority and deliberate non-compliance.
- Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre must file a detailed, sworn status report covering all animals taken into custody, returns, deaths with veterinary records, adoptions or transfers, current locations, and identification systems.
- The order records the shelter’s earlier submissions that all 10 dogs remained in its custody, none were sold or adopted, some were unwell, and some might have died during custody.
- The dispute arises from a Jagat Puri police FIR; the owner alleges commercial exploitation and possible sales by the NGO, with the court set to review the status report on January 22.