Supreme Court rejects plea to stay earlier order on stray dogs; cites ‘absence of sustained efforts’ by states
New Delhi: The Supreme Court On Tuesday, it refused to stay its order directing the removal of stray dogs from government institutions like hospitals, schools and colleges, rejecting pleas filed by animal lovers and welfare groups.“The court cannot ignore the harsh ground reality where children, travelers, elderly have been victims of dog bite incidents,” the apex court said while rejecting several pleas of animal lovers.The apex court said that the state and union territory governments have failed to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 to control the population of stray dogs and this has led to an alarming situation.The SC said that disobeying its order on stray dogs would hold municipal corporation officials and the state government liable for contempt of court. A panel comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria said the state cannot remain a silent spectator when people suffer due to stray dog bites and it is against the rule of law and violation of fundamental rights of citizens. “The right to life with dignity includes the dog’s right to live independently without threat of harm,” the court said.
What is the direction of the court?
States have been asked to set up at least one ABC center in each district. Meanwhile, the apex court directed the higher courts to register a suo motu case to monitor the implementation of its order on starry dogs and ensure compliance with their jurisdiction.The court also directed the police not to file any FIR or criminal case against government officials for enforcing the order on stray dogs.
