A complaint of cruelty to chickens in the Dehradun Fish Market was raised at the Human Rights Commission and the Dehradun District Magistrate’s public court, prompting an investigation and action.
“Death is certain, but it does not mean that these innocent creatures should be subjected to inhumane torture.”
The alleged inhumane treatment and cruelty to chickens in the Dehradun Fish Market area has now taken a serious turn at the administrative and human rights levels. Action has been initiated on a complaint filed by social activist Bhupendra Kumar Laxmi at the Dehradun District Magistrate’s public court and the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission.
According to the complaint, on the morning of April 8, 2026, in the Dehradun Fish Market area, live chickens were being tied together in groups of 30-40, hung upside down, and weighed in carts loaded with chickens brought from other states. The complainant described this as not only an inhumane act but also a blatant violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and animal welfare regulations.
Taking cognizance of the matter, Girdhar Singh Dharmshaktu, Acting Chairman of the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission, issued a notice to the Chairman/Secretary of the District Animal Cruelty Prevention Committee, Dehradun, on May 6, 2026. The Commission has ordered the concerned officials to submit a detailed report by the due date. The Commission has clarified that the next hearing in the case will be held on August 19, 2026.
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Administrative action has also been initiated on the complaint filed in the District Magistrate, Dehradun’s Janta Darbar. Dr. Varun Agarwal, Senior Veterinary Officer, Municipal Corporation of Dehradun, has sent a letter to the Joint Secretary, Animal Welfare Board of India, requesting an investigation and strict action in the matter.
The letter sent by the Municipal Corporation states that tying large numbers of chickens together and hanging them upside down causes them extreme pain, injury, and unnecessary suffering, which is contrary to the fundamental principles of animal welfare. The letter also states that the act appears to be in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the rules governing the transportation and protection of animals.
The administration has also been requested to take strict action against the guilty businesses as per the rules and ensure that animal welfare standards are strictly followed during the transportation, maintenance, and sale of animals and birds in the future.
This case is now being seen as an important example of animal rights and adherence to animal welfare rules in Dehradun.