Supreme Court Mandates Nationwide Removal of Stray Dogs and Cattle

Post by : Raina Nasser

In response to escalating concerns regarding incidents of dog bites and accidents involving stray cattle, the Supreme Court has issued a crucial directive mandating state governments, municipal authorities, and transport agencies across India to take prompt action. The court has instructed that stray dogs and cattle be removed from public areas, highways, and institutions, ensuring their relocation and proper care in designated shelters within an eight-week timeframe.

Judges Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria issued this ruling while overseeing a suo motu case connected to increasing dog-bite occurrences, which have resulted in multiple rabies cases, especially among children. The bench underscored the urgent requirement for authorities to guarantee safety and hygienic conditions in public spaces, noting that the situation has reached an "alarming level."

As per the mandate, stray dogs need to be removed from educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, and sports complexes. The animals should be taken to approved shelters for sterilization and vaccination before their relocation. The court forbade authorities from returning the dogs to their original locations, stressing the need to prioritize public safety and welfare.

Municipal bodies are directed to conduct regular inspections to ensure there are no stray dog habitats in or around public institutions. The court instructed, "Every stray dog must be immediately removed from these premises and relocated to a shelter after sterilization," with this process required to be completed within eight weeks.

The bench also remarked on the problem of stray cattle on national and state highways, requiring all states and union territories to promptly eliminate such animals to avert road mishaps. It mandated the establishment of specialized highway patrol teams tasked with locating, capturing, and relocating stray cattle to safe shelters. Furthermore, national highways must provide helpline numbers for the public to report sightings of stray animals.

The Supreme Court emphasized that chief secretaries of all states and union territories will be held accountable for any inaction or failure to enforce these directives. It also stated that adequate care, shelter, and medical attention must be given to the animals post-relocation.

The bench insisted that detailed affidavits outlining actions taken by authorities be submitted before the next hearing set for January 13. "Any negligence will be taken very seriously," the ruling cautioned.

The court's instruction also reiterated the importance of complying with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, directing all states and union territories to resolve any existing shortcomings and ensure rigorous monitoring of sterilization and vaccination initiatives.

Previously, the Supreme Court had ruled in July that all stray dogs in Delhi and nearby areas ought to be reassigned from residential zones to shelters following several fatal rabies incidents. It warned that anyone obstructing the lawful removal of stray dogs by authorities would face immediate consequences.

This latest nationwide directive broadens the previous ruling, tackling not only stray dogs but also cattle and other animals found in public spaces and on highways. The initiative seeks to bolster public safety while ensuring humane treatment of animals through organized care and rehabilitation.

The challenge of stray animals, particularly dogs and cattle, has been a persistent issue in India, impacting road safety, public health, and community well-being. The Supreme Court's decisive order is a significant advancement toward mitigating this enduring concern, striking a balance between animal welfare and the imperative to protect citizens.