Karnataka High Court Observes “Animals are Not Chattels”, Rules Against Dogs Being Returned Following Abuse in Case Filed by PETA India

For Immediate Release:

26 June 2026

Contact: 

Bengaluru—Yesterday, in a petition filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India), the High Court of Karnataka set aside an order passed by the XXXI Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate allowing nine rescued dogs to be returned to the person accused of beating them with a pipe and thick wire and abusing them sexually. Holding the said order to be preposterous and remarking “animals are not chattels”, the High Court observed that ethical treatment of animals is an aspect of constitutional morality and a reflection of the very fabric of a civilized society. Noting the ability of sentient beings to feel and express pain, the Bench consisting of Hon’ble Justice M. Nagaprasanna held cruelty to animals to be a blemish upon public conscience and emphasized the constitutional duty of humans to show compassion for all living beings with whom we share the world.

The nine dogs, including six Golden Retrievers and three Shih Tzus, were rescued and rehabilitated pursuant to a First Information Report (FIR) filed by PETA India under Section 62 read with Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and under Section 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, basis information shared by a concerned person. The allegations include sexual abuse and video footage showing dogs being tied up, kicked and beaten by the man with a pipe and thick wire. The dogs were subsequently relinquished by the purported owner/accused. Despite this, without notice to PETA India and without complete disclosure of facts, the accused had secured an order from the Magistrate Court for the dogs to be returned to his custody, which was previously stayed and has now been set aside by the High Court. All nine dogs have been rehabilitated into loving homes through Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre (CARE) and Safescape Foundation, where they will continue to reside pending completion of trial proceedings against the accused.

Section 325 of the BNS, 2023, categorises the maiming or killing of any animal as a cognisable offence and prescribes a punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, or with a fine, or with both. An attempt to commit a cognisable offence is punishable under Section 62 of the BNS, 2023. The act of attempting to maim or kill an animal is punishable under Section 62, read with Section 325 of the BNS, 2023.

“We thank the High Court of Karnataka for putting the welfare of the dogs at the forefront and sending a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated,” says Shubhangi Tripathi, Senior Legal Counsel. “In protecting the dogs from further abuse, the Court has rightly acknowledged cruelty to animals to be a form of depravity and a smear upon society.” 

PETA India recommends that perpetrators of animal abuse undergo a psychiatric evaluation and receive counselling, as abusing animals indicates a deep psychological disturbance. Research shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting other animals, including humans. A study published in Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal stated, “Those who engage in cruelty to animals were [three] times more likely to commit other crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, harassment, threats, and drug/substance abuse.” 

PETA India – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” – opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETAIndia.com or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram. 

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