'Euthanise Aggressive Stray Dogs': Supreme Court Upholds Order Banning Return of Stray Dogs to Public Places
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday (May 19) refused to recall its earlier order barring stray dogs picked up from high-footfall public places including hospitals, schools, railway stations and bus stands from being released back to the same locations after vaccination or sterilisation.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria dismissed applications seeking modifications to the directions issued by the court on November 7 last year.
As per the November order, stray dogs removed by authorities from public premises must be housed in shelters and cannot be returned to where they were picked up.
In the hearing today, the court also dismissed applications challenging the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India.
"Right to life with dignity encompasses the right to life freely without threat of harm from a dog bite attack. The state cannot remain a passive spectator. The court cannot remain oblivious to harsh ground realities where children, international travellers, old age people have fallen victim to dog bite incidents. The constitution doesn't envisage a society where children, elderly people are to survive on the mercy of physical strength," said Justice Sandeep Mehta, as per Live Law.
In its judgment, the bench cited reports of what it called "deeply disturbing incidents" of dog attacks on children, elderly citizens and even foreign tourists. It squarely blamed state authorities for failing to protect the public.
"The menace of dog bites has extended to public places of critical areas, including airports and residential areas," the bench was quoted as saying by Live Law, drawing on a range of news reports placed before it.
It added: "Euthanise aggressive stray dogs if necessary, no FIR will be issued against officials acting in good faith."
Further, the bench warned that the problem had reached a "staggering dimension" and that the "continued recurring of such incidents" pointed to a serious failure in implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, framed under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The ABC Rules, 2023, require local bodies to manage stray dog populations through sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination.
In a stern warning to officials, the court said those who fail to carry out the directions will face contempt proceedings as well as disciplinary action.
The bench also directed authorities, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to ensure the removal of stray animals and cattle from highways and expressways.
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