The stray dog menace is drawing serious judicial attention. On Monday, the Rajasthan High Court ordered municipal authorities in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur to conduct special drives to remove stray dogs and animals from the streets.
The order came on the same day the Supreme Court asked Delhi-NCR authorities to move all stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks. Both courts acted amid a surge in dog-biting incidents, some resulting in fatalities.
Clear Directive with Humane Conditions
The Rajasthan High Court stressed that authorities must ensure minimum harm to animals during the removal drive. It repeated the apex court’s warning that anyone obstructing the process will face legal action. The court empowered officials to take necessary action and file complaints when needed.
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The Bench also instructed municipal corporations to establish a dedicated phone number or email ID for individuals to register concerns about stray animals. By accelerating the complaint-to-action process, this seeks to lessen public frustration.
Feeding to Be Done in Shelters
The court addressed public sentiments and religious beliefs about feeding animals. It is advised that such activities be carried out only in shelters or Gaushalas maintained by municipal bodies or private organisations. This aligns with the Supreme Court’s view that street feeding should shift to controlled environments, balancing compassion with safety.
Safety on Highways and Streets
The directive was not limited to the city, in order to maintain efficient vehicle traffic, it directed state and federal highway officials to patrol the roadways and eliminate stray animals. The court sought to stop stray dogs or livestock from causing accidents on highways, which are already high-risk areas.
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Growing National Challenge
This move signals a growing national crackdown on stray dog-related dangers. Courts are responding to public safety concerns as dog-bite cases climb. Urbanisation, poor waste management, and lack of sterilisation programmes have worsened the problem.
Without coordinated shelter creation, vaccination, and sterilisation, the issue may only shift locations rather than be solved.
From Crisis Response to Long-Term Plan
While special drives can provide immediate relief, long-term results will depend on sustainable animal management policies. Supported by the national position of the Supreme Court, Rajasthan’s order may serve as the foundation for a standardized national protocol. These precautions can safeguard both people and animals if they are taken carefully.
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