SC Balances Stray Dog Rights and Public Safety
Numerous cities, including the nation's capital, Delhi, are grappling with issues related to stray dogs. Frustrated by the rising incidents of dog attacks and bites affecting both children and adults, citizens have escalated their concerns from lower courts to the Supreme Court. Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government and MCD to capture stray dogs and house them in shelters to provide relief to the public. However, dog enthusiasts challenged this decision, leading to new orders being issued two days ago. While organizations advocating for dogs are pleased, the general public is also quite content with the Supreme Court's ruling. The Supreme Court's decision appears to be favorable.
The Supreme Court has mandated the release of dogs to shelter homes post-sterilization. The court expressed its intention to establish a nationwide uniform rule. Notices have been dispatched to all states regarding this matter. Additionally, the court emphasized that dangerous dogs should not be released. The apex court also instructed the creation of designated areas for feeding dogs, noting that feeding them indiscriminately causes issues. The court reiterated its aim to enforce this decision across the country. Notices have been sent to animal husbandry centers, states, union territories, and state secretaries. Furthermore, the apex court has requested details on similar pending cases in state High Courts, stating that all such cases will be transferred to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court's latest directive states that dogs captured or already caught will be returned to their original locations following sterilization and vaccination. However, this ruling does not pertain to dogs that are rabid or aggressive. Compared to the court's previous order, this new directive offers significant relief to dog enthusiasts. The Supreme Court has also attached certain conditions to this new order.
The ruling states that rabies-infected and aggressive dogs will not be allowed to roam the streets. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation must establish designated feeding areas for dogs, and feeding them on roads or in public spaces will be banned. This order will be enforced nationwide. However, dog enthusiasts express two main concerns. Firstly, the definition of aggressive dogs is unclear, leaving many wondering how to determine which dogs are aggressive. Secondly, there is an issue with the feeding points. The court has instructed the MCD to designate feeding areas for dogs, but there are fears this could lead to conflicts among dogs and concerns about cleanliness, which are valid. Despite the Supreme Court's measures, this issue remains troubling. If the MCD had acted appropriately, the situation might not have escalated. Many animal lovers have vaccinated and cared for dogs at their own expense, and now the MCD must also take responsibility in this regard. We believe it is crucial to maintain a balance.
Concerns persist regarding the identification of aggressive dogs and the organization of feeding locations. The ongoing disputes and conflicts over stray dogs nationwide will continue until court orders are completely enforced. Dog enthusiasts support leaving them free, whereas the general public prefers that stray dogs be housed in shelters for safety reasons.
In this instance, the Supreme Court instructed dog enthusiasts and NGOs, who challenged the directive to permanently relocate stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, to submit Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh respectively within a week before the case is heard, which is a positive step. The special bench stated that these funds should be allocated for building infrastructure and other amenities for stray dogs under the supervision of the relevant municipal authorities. The bench declared, 'Every dog lover and every NGO approaching this court must deposit Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh respectively in the court's registry within seven days. Failure to do so will result in their exclusion from further participation in the case.' Nonetheless, we believe it is crucial to curb the growing dog population, and this new Supreme Court decision will help manage it. There should be no fear of dogs in Delhi or any city, but dog catchers should also not face attacks. The issues of feeding, sterilization, and vaccination of dogs persist. Currently, a significant threat and conflict have been averted by the Supreme Court's wise bench. Organizations of dog lovers, ordinary citizens, and other leaders should also honor this. Our nation is one of compassion and non-violence, adhering to the principle of live and let live. We should progress with the mindset that there should be no violence against animals or humans.