Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa has commenced suo motu proceedings to oversee the implementation of measures aimed at addressing the stray dog issue in the state, in line with directions issued by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
A Division Bench has issued notices to the Goa government, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, the Directorate of Panchayats and all municipal councils, calling upon them to place their responses before the court. The matter has been listed for hearing on Wednesday, when the Bench is expected to review the status of compliance and consider further directions.
The proceedings follow the Supreme Court’s judgment of May 19, which directed every State and Union Territory to strengthen infrastructure for the effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme within a specified timeframe. The apex court had also instructed High Courts to independently monitor compliance through suo motu proceedings.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court observed that while animal welfare must be protected, governments also have a responsibility to safeguard citizens from stray dog attacks. It emphasised that the right to live with dignity includes the ability to access public spaces without fear or risk.
The judgment further clarified that authorities may, in accordance with existing legal provisions, euthanise dogs that are rabid, incurably ill or pose a serious threat to public safety.
Highlighting reports of attacks involving children, elderly persons and commuters, the Supreme Court noted that the problem has extended beyond streets into residential localities and other public areas. It cautioned that failure to implement its directions could invite contempt proceedings and departmental action against responsible officials.
The apex court also directed States and Union Territories to expand Animal Birth Control facilities, ensure adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and fully enforce the measures permitted under the existing legal framework to effectively manage the stray dog population while protecting public health and safety.
