In a significant move, the Supreme Court has directed all states and Union territories (UTs) to remove stray dogs from the premises of educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, and other public places. The apex court instructed authorities to relocate them to designated dog shelters after sterilisation to ensure public safety and hygiene.
A three-bench including justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria also added that permitting their return would “frustrate the very purpose” of securing such premises and addressing public safety concerns. The direction came as the bench was monitoring stray dog-bite incidents through a suo motu proceeding.
As per the order, all the stray dogs currently in these premises must be captured, sterilised and vaccinated.
What the Supreme Court Ordered on Stray Dogs
“They will not be released back in the same area since releasing them back will frustrate the very purpose of the directive of the court,” Justice Mehta said while reading out the operative portion of the order. The detailed judgment is expected soon.
Furthermore, the bench asked authorities to ensure the removal of cattle and other stray animals from highways and expressways. They should be relocated to designated shelters. The top court also ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to undertake a joint drive with the local authorities to identify stretches of highways where stray animals are frequently found.
Nodal Officer to be Appointed for the surveillance of each such premises
A nodal officer has to be appointed for the surveillance of each such premises. SC ahas ordered that the local municipal authorities and panchayats must carry out periodic inspections for at least three months and report back to the court.
While examining the case, the apex court said on November 3 that it will pass interim directions to tackle the issue of “grave menace” of dog bites in institutional areas, where employees feed and encourage stray dogs. The matter has been slated for further hearing on January 13.
