The Growing Terror of Parliament Monsoon Session
The menace of stray dogs is escalating in Delhi, heightening the fear of dog bites among residents. Beyond Delhi, citizens are concerned about the administration's handling of fatalities from dog attacks in major cities across various states. Whether it's the assault on school children in a Noida community, the tragic death of a 6-year-old girl from dog bites in Poothkalan, Delhi, or attacks on the elderly, the situation is alarming, placing the administration under scrutiny. The Supreme Court has acknowledged the incident involving the girl's death due to dog bites in Delhi.
A recent newspaper report highlighted the rise in stray dog attacks and rabies cases, prompting the Supreme Court bench to take suo motu action. The bench expressed concern over the alarming statistics and details in the report, noting that hundreds of dog bite incidents are reported daily in both urban and rural areas, affecting the elderly and children with rabies-related diseases. The bench stated that the report will be submitted to the Chief Justice. Packs of dogs are chasing vehicles on roadsides, leading to accidents. The question of how to avoid dog attacks is crucial, and finding a solution is imperative.
The report provides information about two children who were attacked by stray dogs. In Delhi's Pooth Kalan area, a six-year-old girl died after being bitten by a rabid dog. She contracted rabies from the bite and, despite receiving treatment, passed away on July 26. Additionally, a four-year-old child was severely injured after being attacked by a group of dogs. The report mentioned that the local authorities allegedly failed to act despite repeated complaints from the children's families. While people often care for their pet dogs with affection, these animals can sometimes attack unfamiliar guests or visitors.
On July 22, the government submitted an NCDC report to the Lok Sabha, revealing that 3.7 million dog bite incidents were recorded in 2024. Union Minister SP. Singh Baghel stated in writing that there were 3,717,336 dog bite cases and 54 suspected rabies-related deaths in 2024, which is quite alarming.
Numerous cases have been brought before the High Court and the Supreme Court concerning the feeding of stray dogs and the opposition to it. In several parts of Delhi, reports of disputes between Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) and dog lover groups are also being presented in court as contentious issues. When residents report dogs congregating near their homes and creating shelters, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) dog squad arrives to capture them, leading to conflicts between dog lover groups and other protective organizations.
The Supreme Court advised citizens who wish to feed stray dogs to do so within their homes. This statement underscores the societal moral differences concerning stray dogs. Additionally, the Supreme Court acknowledged that stray dogs should be legally protected, but emphasized that authorities must also address public concerns to prevent dog attacks from obstructing road movement. Referring to the Constitution, Article 243 (W) mandates municipalities to manage stray dog populations, while Article 51A (G) designates it as a fundamental duty for citizens to show compassion towards living creatures.
This episode discusses the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which aim to manage the stray dog population through sterilization and curb rabies by vaccination. Additionally, the rules include a provision for feeding community animals, assigning this duty to resident welfare associations or local authorities. Instead of fearing dogs, proactive steps should be taken to ensure the safety of children, the elderly, and women in Delhi and other urban or rural areas.