SC verdict on stray dogs: Sterilisation, vaccination, feeding spots and more — 10 BIG takeaways
The Supreme Court ordered the re-release of vaccinated stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, banned public feeding, and directed High Court cases to be transferred to it. The court emphasized the need for dog shelters and imposed fines on individuals feeding strays in open areas.
THE Supreme Court on Friday, August 22, ordered re-release of all stray dogs from shelters in Delhi-NCR after vaccination and also imposed a ban on feeding them on public streets. Banning public feeding spots, the Supreme Court stressed that such acts often lead to public nuisance and safety concerns, PTI reported.
It further directed that individuals found feeding strays in the open will face action under the relevant legal provisions.
On August 14, a three-judge special bench consisting of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria reserved its order in the matter.
Stray dogs case: Top 10 takeaways from Supreme Court's order
Feeding Areas: “The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) should create feeding areas in municipal wards. Under no condition is feeding of stray dogs permitted; if violated, they will be prosecuted under law,” the apex court said, according to LiveLaw.
2. Vaccination: The court observed that dogs will be re-released following vaccination, except those infected with rabies or showcasing aggressive behaviour.
3. Notice boards: Notice boards to be put near designated feeding areas stating that stray dogs shall only be fed in such areas, as per a PTI report citing the order.
4. Helpline number: MCD to create a helpline number for violation cases.
5. Legal action: If public servants are obstructed during their work, they will be liable. Each NGO/Animal lovers should proceed to pay ₹2 lakh and ₹25,000, respectively, the court added.
6. ABC rules: “We broaden the scope pan-India. We issue notice to Animal Husbandries, States, UTs, Secretaries to take information for compliance of ABC Rules,” LiveLaw quoted the court as saying.
7. “The registry seeks information from all High Courts where petitions are pending on similar issue. Henceforth, it will be transferred to this court,” it observed.
8. Centre's rules: The apex court stated that the Centre's Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 will continue for now.
9. Pending cases: All pending cases in high courts in the country will be transferred to the Supreme Court, it noted.
10. Dog shelters: The dog shelters have to be raised over time. State/MCD/NDMC should start with dog shelters for 5,000 dogs in the next 6-8 weeks, considering it's progressive exercise, the court said.
