Supreme Court Takes Action Against Stray Dog and Cattle Issues in Public Spaces

Supreme Court's Directive on Stray Animals

New Delhi: On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a series of directives aimed at addressing the increasing problem of stray dogs and ensuring highways are free from stray cattle and other animals.

A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, while reviewing the suo motu case regarding stray dog management nationwide, mandated that all educational institutions, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations must be adequately fenced to prevent stray dogs from entering.

The Bench instructed local municipal authorities to carry out regular collection drives from these areas and transfer the animals to designated shelters after they undergo mandatory vaccination and sterilization as per the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court emphasized that dogs removed from these public spaces should not be returned to the same locations, and it called for regular inspections to ensure that no stray dog habitats are allowed to form within these areas.

Additionally, the Bench ordered the prompt removal of stray cattle and other animals from highways, insisting that these animals be relocated to designated shelters without delay.

The apex court directed that Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories must ensure strict adherence to these orders, warning that officials could be held personally accountable for non-compliance. They are required to submit compliance status reports within eight weeks detailing the measures implemented to follow these directives.

Previously, the Supreme Court had expressed dissatisfaction with the states and Union Territories regarding their failure to enforce the ABC Rules effectively. The Justice Nath-led Bench has been closely monitoring this issue, highlighting that the ongoing incidents involving stray animals not only jeopardize public safety but also tarnish the country's image on an international scale.

The court remarked, "Continuous incidents are happening, and the image of the country is being shown as down in the eyes of foreign nations. We are also reading news reports."