On Friday, the Supreme Court revisited and modified its earlier order dated August 11. The earlier order had prevented civic bodies from releasing stray dogs once picked up for vacating them.
The new order, which now adds replete clarity to release of stray dogs, specifies that each such release is conditioned upon the altered dogs being sterilized and vaccinated against rabies, barring diseased or dangerously aggressive dogs. This change now points to a more balanced reading of public safety against animal welfare.
From Local Issue to Nationwide Debate
The August 11 order by the two-judge bench was confined to Delhi-NCR, which had directed authorities to gather strays and transfer them to shelters. However, a special three-member bench of justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria opened the scope of the case to that of the country at large. Notices have now been issued to all states and union territories, as well as the Animal Husbandry Department, highlighting the necessity of a pan-Indian policy on polemical stray dog management.
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And, significantly, the court also created a legal framework for individuals who want to care for stray or abandoned animals. Individuals or NGOs can seek legal adoption of or responsibility for strays from the civic body abdicating their responsibility legally. It is also meant to minimize the battle between civic authorities and animal welfare activists while ensuring accountability.
Judgments of the Courts
The bench gave several crucial commands to govern the stray dogs:
- Stray Dog Feeding Incident on Public Streets; Municipalities must Regularize Areas for Feeding Dogs.
- Notice boards shall be maintained close to these areas to inform residents and feeders.
- Legal action can be taken against the ones feeding stray animals on the street.
- NGO or activist will be fined ₹25000 if they infringe into work of civic worker handling debearded stray dogs.
- The issue has been expanded out to reply nationwide from state and union territory officials regarding the framing of a common policy.
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Striking a Middle Ground
The proceedings were started after receiving alarming reports on dog bite incidents in July where children suffered rabies bites. Although the original order aimed more for public safety, it has improved to balance citizens and a radical population from blanket removal of stray dogs.
The court has now given itself leeway for further hearing within eight weeks. Overall, this is reflective of the judiciary’s attempt at an all-embracing harmonization of public health concerns with animal rights and civic responsibilities under a single framework.
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