The Supreme Court, citing the “alarming rise of dog bite incidents,” on Friday directed all states and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure the removal of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands, railway stations, and other public places.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria stated that all these institutions and locations must be properly fenced to prevent the entry of stray dogs.
The bench ordered that stray dogs should not be released back to the same area from which they were captured, warning that permitting their return would “frustrate the very purpose” of securing such premises and protecting public safety.
“They will not be released back in the same area since releasing them back will frustrate the very purpose of the directive of the court,” the bench said.
It will be the responsibility of the local government authorities to collect stray dogs from these areas and transfer them to designated shelters after vaccination and sterilisation in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, the court directed.
Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the order, with officials held personally accountable for any lapses.
The apex court also mandated the appointment of a nodal officer for the upkeep and surveillance of each premises, and required local municipal authorities and panchayats to conduct periodic inspections for at least three months and report back to the court.
States, UTs, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and other agencies were further directed to remove stray cattle and other animals from national and state highways and ensure their proper care in shelters.
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the issue of stray dogs across the country.
Earlier, a three-judge bench on August 22 modified an August 11 order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, allowing their return after sterilisation and immunisation, except rabid or aggressive animals. The court expanded the scope to all states and UTs, citing authorities’ two-decade failure to address public safety. Justices Pardiwala and Madadev said the directives protect both humans and dogs, noting over 3.7 million dog bites nationwide, including 25,201 in Delhi.
ANI