Telangana High Court Stresses Pet Owner Rights. Hyderabad, June 19— In a recent ruling, the Telangana High Court has directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to return a pet dog to its rightful owner. The animal was reportedly taken without adhering to due legal procedure or providing adequate justification. The court’s directive was issued in response to a petition filed by 58-year-old astrologer EB Dakshina Murthy from Chikkadpally, who claimed that his pet was seized unlawfully and not properly cared for afterward. He told the court that his dog, a Dogo Argentino named Ares, was taken away by GHMC officials on May 19, after a complaint made by his own brother.
Although Murthy had a valid pet license, he claimed that GHMC officials came without notice and removed the dog based on police instructions. It was claimed that the dog lived in a small cage and was not given enough food or necessary healthcare. His brother, EB Narsimha Murthy, had filed a police complaint stating that the dog was being used to threaten him and others in the area. An FIR was registered at the Chikkadpally police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Some injury reports were also submitted as evidence.

However, the High Court noted that GHMC failed to give the pet owner a formal notice and did not follow required procedures. It also pointed out the lack of medical care provided to the animal during custody. As a temporary relief, the court directed GHMC's Deputy Director of Veterinary Services (Secunderabad zone) to release the dog immediately. But certain conditions were imposed: the dog must not be kept at Murthy’s current home, and it should be relocated to a safer environment, away from public or family disputes. The court also instructed Murthy to add his brother—the complainant—as a party in the case. Additionally, the court clarified that the authorities are free to act under the law if the dog’s breed is found to be banned in the future. The court has scheduled an additional hearing on July 9.



