Supreme Court: Plea To Euthanise Dangerous Dogs In Kerala

The Supreme Cour tin the case observed wherein an interlocutory application (IA) filed by the district panchayat of Kannur seeking permission to euthanise suspected rabid dogs or extremely dangerous dogs in light of the increased violent attacks by stray dogs in the district of Kannur.
In the present case, the application was moved by an 11-year-old autistic child was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs at Kannur on June 11, 2023. The application filed highlighted that a similar incident had happened last year in the Kottayam District of Kerala where a minor aged 12 years had also died due to stray dog attack.
The vacation bench comprising of Justice Surya Kant and Justice MM Sundresh was hearing the matter.
The counsel seek permission to play the video of the stray dogs attacking the child, thus, the bench stated that it has read the application and viewing the video was not necessary.
The bench in its order stated that the matter has been taken on board on the date fixed which being July 12, 2023. Therefore, the counter affidavit to be filed by 7 July.
The court stated that the large numbers of dog bite incidents have been reported across the District especially against children.
Therefore, the court observed it is being pertinent to mention that 5794 stray dogs attacks were reported in 2019, 3951 cases in 2020, 7927 cases in 2021, 11776 cases were reported in 2022 and 6276 cases are reported upto 19th June, 2023 in Kannur District itself.
Further, it has been submitted by the court that there are approximately 28000 stray dogs in the limits of the Applicant herein.
It has also been stated by the panchayat before the court that despite making every effort to control the issue of stray dogs within the local limits, the incidents of stray dog attacks, bites, and road accidents due to dog collision are increasing day by day within the District Panchayat area as well as throughout the state.
Accordingly, it has been prayed by the panchayat to direct euthanising of “suspected rabid dogs/extremely dangerous dogs in a humane manner.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard on July, 2023.
The counsel, Advocate-on-Record Biju P Raman filed