'Approach High Court'; SC refuses to intervene in Kerala's stray dog issue

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court did not interfere with the demands of Kerala regarding the birth control of stray dogs. There will be no hearing on the Central ABC Rules, 2023, framed to address the problem of street dogs.

A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Sanjay Karol also suggested approaching the High Court on the issue. A group of petitions filed by the Kannur District Panchayat seeking permission for euthanasia and other petitions filed by animal lovers have been adjourned for judgment. Local law authorizes the killing of aggressive dogs. However, the rules of 2023 stipulate sterilization and vaccination. This contradiction was pointed out by the state government.

The court said that the new ABC rules are prima facie sufficient to deal with any situation. The High Courts of Kerala, Karnataka and Bombay have considered high-profile issues relating to the 2001 Rules.

• There was no specific provision in the 2001 regulation to resolve the street dog issue. This was resolved in the 2023 rule.

• Implementation responsibility for ABC Monitoring Committees at State, District and Municipal level

• It will be the responsibility of local bodies in case of street dog-human conflict