[In Re Bruno] Remove posters outside State veterinary hospitals advocating chaining/caging of pets: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday expressed its shock at posters displayed outside State veterinary hospitals advocating chaining or caging of pet dogs and advising against feeding stray animals (In Re: Bruno Vs Union of India)..The Court noted with horror that the guidelines on these poster are "exactly what should not be said in connection with animal welfare" and ordered that they be taken down immediately and asked authorities to issue directions within one day directing removal of the offending posters.This was after advocate Angels Nair, General Secretary of the Animal Legal Force Integration, drew the Court's attention to such posters issued by the Animal Husbandry Department and displayed outside all State veterinary hospitals. .The Division Bench of Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Gopinath P was hearing a suo motu case that was initiated by the Court after news reports had emerged about the brutal killing of Bruno, a black labrador dog, by three minors on the Adimalathura beach in Thiruvananthapuram..The Court later saw it fit to rename the case as “In Re: Bruno (Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation Proceedings initiated by the High Court in the matter of executive and legislative inaction of the State Government in the matter of Protection of Animal Rights)”. .[BREAKING] "In Re Bruno:" Kerala High Court renames suo motu case on animal cruelty in memory of dog killed by three persons.During the last hearing, the Court had issued directions with respect to the following: Conducting awareness campaigns to change attitude of citizenryClarifying rules regarding pets in residential complexesReconstituting the State Animal Welfare BoardSuggesting measures that the State can take, such as holding adoption camps, improving infrastructure, etc..During the hearing on Wednesday, Additional Advocate General Ashok Cherian informed the Court that steps are already being taken to reconstitute the State Animal Welfare Board. Twenty persons have also been identified as potential members..The Bench noted that are not many state sponsored bodies that look into matters of animal welfare and instructed the AAG to get urgent instructions as to which animal welfare bodies have been recognised by Animal Welfare Board of India as far as the State of Kerala is concerned..The Bench further instructed him to provide details as to the existing state infrastructure and medical equipment for caring for animals. Pertinently, the Court added that there must also be a list with the facilities available at each institution and details of the qualified doctors and a database consisting of all the facilities available district wise should be maintained. If this list is put up on the State Animal Welfare Board's website, citizens will be able to access it and know what facilities are available near them for caring for their pets, the Court said. .On the importance of public-private participation and incentivising private organisations in the field of animal welfare, the Court directed that the State must consider involving private persons who are with the charitable disposition and also generally interested in the welfare of animals. .Further, since it is possible that the such private individuals or organisations may have infrastructure for providing medical attention, the State may provide at least some financial support to encourage their continued participation. .Several private animal welfare organisations, through its representatives, have been impleaded into the case including the Daya Foundation, Animal Legal Force and Oneness for All. Justice Nambiar added that the State can then "consider them for registration with the state bodies and fund them at least partially because I far as I know they are not getting any funding and (are) still doing a wonderful job".The Court also suggested registration of animals that are kept by persons as pets or cattle. The State could issue instructions to all local government bodies to immediately issue public notices, requiring owners of animals to register them with such bodies, the Bench stated. .This, the Court opined, would not only be an effective measure in reuniting pets who get lost sometimes but also as a method to keep track of which persons have meted out any form of cruelty towards animals in their care and ensure that such persons are not allowed to keep pets or cattle in the future. .Advocate Jaishankar V Nair, appearing for Animal Welfare Board of India, submitted that the Board had, on June 28, issued directions to State Police Chiefs that immediate cognisance must be taken in instances of animal cruelty. In Bruno's case especially, directions have been issued to conduct and conclude the investigation in a week's time, he said. .Pertinently he submitted that directions have been issued for the appointment of a Nodal Officer in each District, not below the rank Assistant Commissioner of Police, to look into matters of animal cruelty..The Court, while reiterating that its suggestions must be taken in the spirit of cooperation, said that the case will be heard again on Monday once more documents are filed by the respondents.