The Delhi High Court instructed the Centre to establish a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the use of service dogs assisting differently-abled individuals. A bench led by Justices Dinesh Mehta and Aditi Choudhary expressed its expectation for the authorities to finalize the SOP by January 7, 2027, which marks the next hearing date in this matter.
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The court was addressing a petition from the Dhananjay Sanjogta Foundation, which highlighted the absence of a structured framework for using therapy or service animals by disabled persons. The bench stated, "While expecting that the respondent nos. 1 and 2 (Centre) will finalise the SOP by the next date of hearing so that persons like the petitioner and others can use service dogs for their easy commutation/movement, we post this matter on January 7, 2027."
During the October 6 hearing, representatives from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities presented a draft SOP on service dogs for assisting disabled persons in India. They noted that public objections and feedback from stakeholders had been requested and that a final version of the SOP would be issued soon.
Suggestions for the SOP included maintaining a register of service dogs, assigning them unique registration numbers, and ensuring each service dog wears a uniquely colored collar. This measure aims to help the public and security personnel identify service dogs, signifying that they should not pose a threat. Additionally, it was proposed that service dogs should be muzzled in crowded venues like cinema halls, malls, and hospitals to maintain peace and safety.
The Centre's counsel assured the court that these suggestions would be communicated to the relevant authorities for consideration. The public interest litigation, filed by the foundation in 2024, also contested the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, arguing that they violate the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 by not addressing stray animal attacks on persons with disabilities.
The petitioner asserted that Delhi has a significant stray animal population, many of which remain unvaccinated and unsterilized. Flaws in managing these stray animals have led to aggressive behavior, potentially endangering community members, particularly the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The plea noted that visually impaired persons, unable to foresee threats and having limited mobility, find it difficult to defend themselves against stray animal attacks. In many other regions, persons with disabilities rely on service and therapy animals to aid their daily lives, but no such framework currently exists in India.