Delhi aims to become India's First Stray Dog-Free city
The Delhi government has planned to make the capital street dog-free by rehabilitating stray dogs to safer places. The High Court has considered the matter serious and directed the government to formulate an inclusive policy. This policy will not only take into consideration the safety of dogs but also the convenience of the public.
Delhi News: The Delhi administration is actively working to transform the capital into India's first city without stray dogs, as confirmed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. She mentioned that the government is developing a strategy to remove stray dogs from the streets and relocate them to secure locations.
Media reports indicate that the population of stray dogs on Delhi's streets is rising daily, causing numerous issues for the public. Recognizing the problem, the Delhi High Court has instructed the government to develop an effective policy.
High Court's tough stance
A panel led by Justice Mini Pushkarna described the issue as delicate, noting that it extends beyond municipal corporations and holds significant social and administrative importance. The court has referred the matter to the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government, instructing them to formulate a detailed policy.
The court emphasized that for actions to be effective, policies must be developed with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders. In pursuing this approach, the government is required to create a comprehensive and committed policy.
The court instructed that particular attention must be given to the humane aspect throughout the process of removing dogs from the streets. Stray dogs not only threaten public safety but also occasionally fall victim to traffic accidents. Therefore, their organized rehabilitation is essential.
The case related to the petition of 'Dog Amma'
The directive followed a petition submitted by Pratima Devi, widely recognized as 'Dog Amma'. The court further stated that simply capturing and releasing dogs is insufficient and emphasized the need for a strong strategy and approach.
The directives from the high court are viewed as a major advancement in animal welfare, public health, and urban governance. Should the Delhi government manage to effectively execute this policy, it could serve as a leading example for other states in the nation to follow.