Delhi Court Orders Fresh Probe into Disappearance of Dogs from IGI Airport

In a strongly worded order, a Delhi court has directed the Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport Range) to conduct a fresh inquiry into the disappearance of two community dogs from Indira Gandhi International Airport, raising serious concerns over the adequacy of the police investigation.

The case pertains to two dogs, Kaddu and Brownie, who reportedly went missing after allegedly being taken for sterilisation over a month ago. Expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of the probe, the court observed that the investigation so far reflected a lack of “serious effort” and an apparent apathy towards the issue.

“It has been more than one and a half months since the dogs were relocated from their usual feeding area, yet there has been no meaningful attempt to ascertain whether they are alive or to determine their current whereabouts,” the court noted. It further emphasised that complainants had approached both the Station House Officer (SHO) and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) prior to filing the present application, but no substantive action had followed.

The court also pointed to deficiencies in the inquiry process, noting that the investigating officer had failed to examine key individuals or establish the reasons behind the relocation. It observed that the absence of documented statements from officials of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) reflected a lack of diligence.

Highlighting the seriousness of the matter, the court stated that the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the dogs from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 suggested that such actions were unlikely to have been carried out without authorisation from airport authorities. Consequently, it called for a comprehensive and accountable investigation.

According to multiple complaints, the dogs were forcibly removed on March 26 and April 2, respectively, allegedly using unauthorised vehicles not linked to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Petitioners argue that such actions constitute a violation of the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023, which mandates that only authorised agencies using licensed animal ambulances may conduct such operations.

One of the petitioners, Rashim Sharma, stated that caregivers had submitted extensive documentation, including time-stamped records of feeding, medical care, and related expenses, to establish the dogs’ long-term presence at the airport. She added that most community dogs within the airport premises are sterilised, vaccinated, and cared for in coordination with civic authorities, in line with established animal welfare norms.

In an effort to trace the missing animals, caregivers have announced a reward of ₹50,000 for credible information regarding their whereabouts.

Earlier, DIAL had stated that one of the dogs, which had reportedly bitten two individuals and exhibited aggressive behaviour, had been handled and returned to its familiar surroundings. However, the operator has not responded to queries regarding the number of dog bite incidents reported in recent years, nor clarified which agency, if any, was responsible for the removal of the animals.

The court’s directive underscores growing concerns over accountability, adherence to animal welfare regulations, and the need for transparency in operations within high-security public infrastructure.