Aggressive stray dogs should be killed; Supreme Court issues strict directions

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has ordered that aggressive stray dogs, including rabid dogs, should be captured and euthanised when necessary. The order comes amid growing concern over deaths caused by stray dog attacks, including children being killed in several states.

The judgment was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria. The court considered emotional appeals from the parents of Abhirami, who died after contracting rabies from a dog bite in Pathanamthitta. The court directed all High Courts to ensure that state governments implement the instructions properly and said the courts should monitor the issue through suo motu cases if necessary.

The Supreme Court also stated that local body employees involved in euthanising dangerous dogs should not face FIRs or criminal proceedings. The Kannur District Panchayat had also demanded permission for the euthanasia of aggressive stray dogs.

The court rejected petitions filed by animal lovers and animal rights organisations seeking to withdraw an earlier order directing authorities not to release sterilised stray dogs back into the same public places from where they were captured.

The court observed that dog attacks are affecting infants, elderly people and even foreign tourists across the country. It said the situation cannot be ignored and that citizens should not have to depend on luck to survive such attacks. The court further said that the right to life guaranteed under the Constitution includes the right to live without fear of stray dog attacks and the right to move safely in public places.

Court criticises state governments
The Supreme Court said it is the responsibility of state governments to protect people from stray dog attacks. The court observed that if the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules had been properly implemented earlier, the current crisis could have been avoided. The judges criticised the authorities for negligence and inaction in carrying out sterilisation, vaccination, and infrastructure development measures. The court also pointed out that earlier orders to remove stray dogs from public spaces and government institution premises had not been properly implemented. The judges noted that even airports are facing stray dog problems and warned that contempt proceedings could be initiated against officials who fail to take action.

One ABC centre in each district

1. Animal Welfare Board rules must be implemented effectively.
2. Every district must have at least one Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre.
3. Availability of anti-rabies vaccines must be ensured.
4. Local body employees should be given proper training.
5. Shelter homes and vaccination drives are necessary.
6. Measures should be taken to prevent cattle and stray animal menace on national highways.

No one else should suffer like our daughter
Abhirami’s parents, Rajani and Harish, emotionally welcomed the Supreme Court verdict.

“The judgment gives us relief. No one else should suffer the fate of our daughter,” they said with tears in their eyes. Abhirami, a 12-year-old girl, was fatally attacked by a dog in 2022.