Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 20

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a notice of motion to the Union of India and the State of Punjab on a petition seeking directions to strike down the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017.

In the petition placed before the Bench of Chief Justice Ravi Shanker Jha and Justice Arun Palli, petitioner Breeders Welfare Association through counsel Vikas Chatrath contended that the rules were ultra vires to the Constitution of India, being violative of Articles 14 and 19.

Chatrath contended it was clearly evident that the government, under the garb of regulation, was trying to impose unreasonable and arbitrary restrictions on the rights of the breeders to carry on their business. Besides, it was arbitrary and liable to be struck down.

He added the requirement of renewal of registration imposed upon the breeders under Rule 5 of the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, was arbitrary. “It is apparent that the solitary motive of renewal clause and re-registration process is primarily aimed at extorting Rs 5,000 from the breeders for every renewal/re-registration process,” he added.