Supreme Court rejects plea to stay earlier order on stray dogs; ‘Absence of sustained efforts’ cited by states
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Rejecting petitions filed by animal lovers and welfare groups on Tuesday, the Supreme Court refused to stay its order directing removal of stray dogs from public institutions like hospitals, schools and colleges.The top court said that the state and union territory governments failed to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 to control the population of stray dogs and this has resulted in a worrying situation.The Supreme Court said municipal bodies and state government officials will be liable for contempt of court if they do not comply with its order on stray dogs. The panel comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria rejected several petitions by animal activist groups, saying the state cannot remain a mute spectator when people suffer from bites by stray dogs and this is against the rule of law and a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens. The court said, “The right to life with dignity includes the right to live freely without risk of harm from dogs.”
One ABC center in each district
States have been asked to set up at least one ABC center in each district. Meanwhile, the top court directed high courts to register suo motu cases on stray dogs to monitor the implementation of its order and ensure compliance in their jurisdictions.The court directed the police not to file any FIR or criminal proceedings against government officials enforcing the order on stray dogs.