Punjab & Haryana HC Rules Stray Dogs Can’t Be Impounded Indefinitely—Must Be Returned After 10 Days

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has declared that stray dogs impounded under the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023 cannot be held indefinitely. Instead, they must be returned to the area from which they were taken within 10 days.

The judgment, delivered on July 8, 2025, emphasizes that impounding procedures must align with the statutory timeline.

The Court clarified that holding dogs beyond the 10-day limit violates the 2023 Rules and infringes on the animals’ natural existence.

This ruling ensures procedural limits and humane treatment under animal welfare law.

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Judgment Date: July 8, 2025
Return Timeline: Impounded dogs must be released within 10 days
Legal Basis: Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023