Woman loses 56 cats, approaches Bombay HC for their return

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A Pune-based woman has approached the Bombay High Court seeking the return of her 56 cats. The animals were allegedly taken away from her apartment four months ago, by persons claiming to be police and animal welfare officers.

The 42-year-old aggrieved woman, Sangeeta Kapur, has also sought action against the people who forcibly took away her pets. According to her, the officers were mere 'vigilantes' who received police protection and broke into her apartment without any of the required documents.

Kapur, who works as a fashion designer, also states that the people who took away her animals vandalized her home, harassed members of her family and stole some cash and gold. According to her, the raid is said to have taken place at midnight on September 11, 2017.

Sangeeta was subsequently booked for offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act. A report in the Times of India, however, quotes Kapur's petition as stating, "As per PCA Act, such seizure can only be done after obtaining court permission. In this case, even a panchnama was not done." The petition also seeks to suspend the activists' registration from the Animal Welfare Board of India

Meanwhile, activists who were involved in the incident reportedly claim that the animals were being kept in unsanitary conditions. The matter is set to be heard in the Bombay High Court on January 18.

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