Madras High Court’s Consideration of Supreme Court’s Order

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court is deliberating on whether to direct the Tamil Nadu government to adopt the Supreme Court’s guidelines for managing street dogs, initially implemented in Delhi. This consideration arose during a session addressing multiple petitions concerning stray animals, including issues related to stray cattle and street dogs. A particular concern was raised about dogs within a temple that had reportedly bitten devotees, leading to injuries and concerns about rabies.

Alarming Statistics on Dog Bites in Tamil Nadu

Petitioners presented concerning statistics during the hearing, revealing that Tamil Nadu has already recorded 3.67 lakh dog bites and 20 fatalities due to rabies this year. These figures underscore the urgency for effective management strategies. The judges indicated they would issue formal orders after thoroughly reviewing the Supreme Court’s comprehensive guidelines.

Diverse Reactions to Potential Directive

The potential directive has elicited varied responses. Animal welfare advocates voiced apprehensions regarding the state’s current capacity to manage a large stray dog population, citing inadequate infrastructure and veterinary resources. They emphasized that dogs have equal rights to coexist peacefully and warned against poorly executed measures that could lead to neglect or starvation. Instead, they urged the court to enforce the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, which promotes sterilization and vaccination as humane solutions. Conversely, many residents and civic activists supported the move, prioritizing human safety. They highlighted the increasing number of dog attacks as a call for immediate action. “Lives should not be lost to dog bites in this day and age,” one petitioner remarked, pointing out the lack of coordinated rabies control measures in several districts.

Implications for Street Dog Management in Tamil Nadu

The court’s reference to the Supreme Court’s Delhi order suggests that Tamil Nadu may soon see new protocols for street dog management. These could encompass municipal responsibilities, sterilization initiatives, shelter management, and public awareness campaigns. The Bench is expected to finalize its directions after reviewing the top court’s ruling, potentially setting a precedent for balancing public safety with animal rights across the state.