Karnataka HC rules nine rescued dogs in Peenya must remain with welfare groups

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that nine dogs rescued from Peenya must remain in the care of animal welfare organizations rather than being returned to their owner who faces allegations of abuse. Justice M Nagaprasanna set aside an April 25 magistrate court order that had directed the return of the animals to the accused owner, K E Ramesh.

The legal battle began after the Peenya police rescued the nine dogs—consisting of six Golden Retrievers and three Shih Tzus—in February. The rescue followed serious allegations that the animals had been subjected to repeated physical abuse and sexual assault. Following the rescue operation, the Peenya police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India filed a petition in the High Court challenging the magistrate court's decision to grant interim custody of the dogs to Ramesh.

While hearing the petition, Justice Nagaprasanna expressed shock over the lower court's order to return the dogs. He noted that photographs and videos placed on the record allegedly showed the dogs being repeatedly beaten. The High Court held that returning the animals to the accused owner during the active investigation was unjustifiable.

In his ruling, Justice Nagaprasanna observed that animals, though unable to speak, can experience pain and suffering. He ruled that animals cannot be treated merely as property and are instead entitled to dignity, compassion, and protection under the law.

The High Court directed that the nine rescued dogs must remain safeguarded in the care of the animal welfare organizations currently looking after them. The dogs will remain with these organizations while the criminal investigation is underway and until the trial concludes.