Sterilise, vaccinate and release: National policy on stray dog ​​problem; punishment for feeding dogs

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has said that a national policy is needed to find a permanent solution to the stray dog ​​problem. The direction will be given to the central government. The states, union territories and local bodies will be heard and made parties for this. The court should be informed of the steps taken under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules. The three-judge bench also ordered that the petitions in the high courts related to the stray dog ​​problem be transferred to the Supreme Court.

The bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria issued the order in a suo motu case on the Delhi stray dog ​​issue. The Supreme Court's intervention is crucial as stray dog ​​attacks and deaths are alarming in Kerala.

The court considered it impractical to capture all the stray dogs and keep them in shelters. It also directed that the captured ones be vaccinated and sterilised before being released. The order of the two-judge bench was modified. The action was taken on petitions filed by dog ​​lovers and animal rights organisations.

Aggressive dogs and those with rabies should not be released. Dogs should continue to be captured and vaccinated. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai transferred the petitions to a three-judge bench after the two-judge bench's recommendations became controversial.

Punishment for feeding dogs on the streets

The Supreme Court has banned feeding dogs on the streets of Delhi. Strict action will be taken against violators. A separate 'feeding space' should be allotted in each municipal ward. Notice boards should be installed where these are. A helpline should also be set up for people to complain. The court clarified that the move is to eliminate the situation that causes hardship to passers-by. Dog lovers can adopt street dogs. However, adopted dogs will not be allowed to be abandoned on the streets.

Dog lovers must pay

Individual dog lovers and NGOs who had filed the latest petition must deposit Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh respectively, with the court within seven days to continue participating in the case. This amount will be used to provide basic facilities to the dogs.

This is a step that takes into account both animal welfare and public safety

- Rahul Gandhi

Supreme Court must define what is an aggressive dog

- Maneka Gandhi