The police recorded Gupta's statement on Monday and registered a case under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, against the boy and another person, said senior police inspector Pandit Thorat from NM Joshi police station.

The police have identified the other accused as Pratik Tambe, who had accompanied the boy to Gupta's house to adopt the puppies. They later sold the puppies at R10,000 each to different families, said the police.

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"We have registered the case under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, against the two people and are conducting an investigation," said senior police inspector Pandit Thorat from NM Joshi police station.

"I am happy that the police have taken the complaint seriously and registered a case. Now it their duty to investigate the case and find the culprits involved in the racket," said Gupta.

The Honorary District Animal Welfare officer Mitesh Jain said, "Keeping this incident in mind, we need to be more cautious in the future. It is not necessary that every person who joins our group claiming to be an animal lover is telling the truth. Therefore, my request to all the animal lovers is that when giving dogs up for adoption, verify the person's credentials and keep checking on them."

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