New Delhi, Apr 17 (PTI) The Delhi High Court has ordered three rescued Pomeranians, Mishti, Coco, and Cotton, to be reunited with their adoptive parents, while modifying a lower court ruling that had granted their custody to the original owner, who was accused of keeping them in “deplorable conditions.” The three toy pomeranians were rescued in 2025 during a raid at the original owner’s house following allegations of animal cruelty. The dogs were handed over to an NGO, which facilitated their adoption.
However, a trial court passed two orders in August 2025 and again in January this year, ordering their release to the person claiming to be their rightful owner on ‘superdari’.
Superdari refers to the legal process in which seized property, such as vehicles, electronics, or documents, is temporarily released to its rightful owner or claimant during the pendency of a trial or investigation.
The adoptive parents approached the high court, challenging the trial court’s order.
In an order passed on April 16, Justice Girish Kathpalia noted that the animals cannot be treated at par with inanimate objects, as he underlined the “emotional trauma” caused to the animals separated from their adoptive caregivers.
“It is explained by learned counsel for petitioners that the three pet dogs, who are the subject matter of this petition, are female toy pomeranians, named Mishti, Coco and Cotton, all of whom are identifiable, as they respond to the call by their respective name,” the court said.
The court said that one cannot ignore the emotional bond formed between the pet and the person adopting it.
“Presently before this court, the issue is not as to whether the present respondent no 3 was or is treating the dogs with cruelty; that would be in the domain of the trial court,” the judge said.
“The issue before this court is the emotional trauma which those voiceless animals would be undergoing after being separated from their adoptive parents (the present petitioners),” the judge observed.
During the proceedings, the original owner agreed to return the dogs to their adoptive parents with one condition: in case of his acquittal, their custody would be returned to him, subject to their welfare.
The court therefore modified the trial court order and directed him to release the dogs to the adoptive parents by Friday.
It also asked the adoptive parents to furnish a Rs 50,000 bond each before the trial court, with the assurance “that the dogs would be produced at the stage of evidence, if required.” PTI ADS KSI VN VN
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