Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision on Stray Dogs

The Supreme Court has issued a significant directive mandating the relocation of all stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region to designated shelters. This decision comes in response to the increasing incidents of dog bites and rabies-related deaths. The court emphasized that any organization obstructing this process will face severe consequences. This ruling is part of a broader effort to address public safety concerns, particularly for children and the elderly who have been victims of stray dog attacks.

Government’s Commitment to Implementation

Following the court’s order, the Delhi government has pledged to ensure its swift execution. The bench, comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, is focusing solely on arguments from the central government, dismissing petitions from dog lovers or other parties. Justice Pardiwala highlighted the public interest nature of this action, urging immediate measures without emotional interference.

Challenges and Solutions Discussed

The court discussed various solutions, including the adoption of stray dogs. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed concerns about temporary adoptions leading to dogs being released back onto the streets. Consequently, the court prohibited adoptions to facilitate the relocation process. Civic authorities across Delhi NCR, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, have been instructed to establish shelters equipped with professionals for sterilization and immunization. The installation of CCTVs is mandated to prevent escapes.

Urgency and Enforcement Measures

The court underscored the urgency of the situation, warning that any interference with the relocation efforts would result in contempt of court charges. It stressed that no stray dog should be released once captured. Additionally, authorities are tasked with providing information on rabies vaccine availability and maintaining records of treatment cases.

Rabies Statistics Highlight Severity

According to data from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, 49 rabies cases were reported between January and June this year, alongside 35,198 animal bite incidents. Rabies remains a deadly viral infection primarily spread through dog bites, with India accounting for a significant portion of global fatalities.