No more dog menace; stray dogs should be sterilised and sheltered, says Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has directed all states to ensure that stray dogs are not seen in public places. All stray dogs must be caught, sterilised, vaccinated, and kept in shelters. The states have been asked to take action and submit a report within three weeks.

The order covers dogs roaming in schools, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, roads, and other public areas. Local bodies are responsible for carrying out the operation, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules must be followed. Chief Secretaries of each state must ensure the court’s directions are implemented. Hospitals have also been instructed to maintain a record of anti-rabies vaccine stocks.

The directions came during a suo motu case taken up by the Supreme Court on the issue of stray dogs in Delhi, but the order will now be implemented nationwide. The bench comprised Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria.

The court observed that the right to life cannot be denied due to government negligence, stressing that the matter concerns human safety. The court also noted that Kerala has reported over six deaths due to stray dog attacks.

Kerala and other states had earlier submitted affidavits explaining the extent to which the ABC rules were implemented. After reviewing these, the court issued its latest order. When lawyers representing animal welfare groups argued that new dogs would replace those removed, the court directed regular inspections to prevent recurring issues.

Barriers and safety measures

1. Walls, fences, and gates must be installed to prevent stray dogs from entering public institutions within eight weeks.
2. A nodal officer should be appointed in schools and hospitals to ensure that there are no stray dog disturbances.
3. Local body officials must conduct inspections every three months to confirm that stray dog issues have not returned. Any negligence will result in disciplinary action.
4. The railway and transport departments must ensure that food waste does not pile up in stations or bus stands, as this attracts stray dogs.
5. The Animal Welfare Board of India must release a nationwide action plan to prevent stray dog attacks within four weeks.

Stray cattle must be sheltered

• Cattle wandering on national highways and roads must be moved to goshalas (cattle shelters).
• The responsibility lies with the National Highway Authority and state governments.
• The direction follows the increase in road accidents caused by stray cattle.
• The Supreme Court approved a Rajasthan High Court order on the matter.
• Special patrolling teams must be set up to locate stray animals.
• A helpline number should be opened for the public to report such cases.
• Field-level officers will face action if they fail to comply.
• Chief Secretaries must submit progress reports within eight weeks. The case will be reviewed again on January 13.

"In Kerala, there is already a strong protest against setting up new ABC shelters. How can shelters be opened everywhere amid such opposition?” asked M.B. Rajesh, the State Local Self-Government Minister.