New Delhi: SC’s Decisive Strike on Stray Canine Peril
Judicial Intervention
The Supreme Court of India has issued stringent directives addressing the escalating stray dog predicament in Delhi-NCR. In a suo motu cognizance of media reports on surging canine attacks and rabies fatalities, the bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan emphasized immediate action. The court underscored that public welfare supersedes sentimental considerations, mandating the prompt relocation of all stray canines from residential zones to designated shelters.
Explicit Mandates
Municipal authorities in Delhi-NCR are instructed to establish specialized canine shelters forthwith, deploying trained personnel for capture, sterilization, and vaccination procedures. The bench advocated for CCTV surveillance to prevent escapes and the initiation of a dedicated helpline for reporting incidents. If requisite, a specialized task force may be constituted to expedite operations.
Contempt Warnings
Any obstruction to the relocation process will invite severe repercussions, including contempt of court proceedings, the judiciary warned. The court explicitly declined to entertain petitions from animal welfare advocates or organizations, restricting hearings to central government submissions. Past instances of stay orders procured by activists were critiqued, with the bench asserting that human safety, particularly of children, cannot be compromised.
Prohibition on Releases
Under no circumstances shall relocated canines be reintroduced to urban streets, the court decreed, reinforcing non-negotiable compliance. Attempts to adopt strays with intent to hinder enforcement are prohibited. Official statistics reveal 49 rabies cases and 35,198 dog bite incidents in Delhi from January to June this year, highlighting the urgency.
Key Measures Outlined
- Immediate capture and transfer of all stray dogs to shelters.
- Deployment of skilled staff for humane handling and medical interventions.
- Installation of monitoring systems and complaint mechanisms.
- Potential formation of enforcement units for efficiency.