New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday clarified that it has not directed the removal of all stray dogs from public streets, stating that its earlier orders were limited to institutional areas and aimed at ensuring public safety through proper implementation of existing rules. The clarification came as the court resumed hearings on petitions raising concerns over the growing risks posed by stray animals and the alleged failure of civic authorities to regulate their population.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria underlined that its focus remains on strict compliance with the Animal Birth Control Rules. The judges emphasised that the objective of the court’s intervention is not the indiscriminate removal of animals, but the effective enforcement of the legal framework already in place to balance animal welfare with human safety.
During the hearing, the bench highlighted concerns regarding the presence of stray dogs in sensitive locations such as hospitals and other institutions. The judges questioned how many dogs could be allowed to roam freely in hospital wards and around patients, signalling that public health and safety considerations are central to the court’s approach.
The bench also made observations on animal behaviour, noting that dogs and cats are natural adversaries and that encouraging the presence of cats could help control rodent populations. These remarks were made in the context of discussing broader ecological balance, while reiterating that policy decisions must be guided by law and practicality.
The clarification follows observations made by the court a day earlier, when it expressed serious concern over the rising number of dog bite incidents across the country. The judges had remarked that incidents involving children and adults being bitten, and in some cases losing their lives, point to systemic failures in the implementation of animal control measures.
The bench further noted recent incidents involving stray animals on highways, stating that within the past few weeks, two judges had met with accidents caused by stray animals, with one remaining in serious condition. These incidents were cited to underline the urgency of addressing the issue in a structured and lawful manner.
The court reiterated that civic authorities must act responsibly and ensure that the Animal Birth Control Rules are implemented in letter and spirit, particularly in institutional and high risk areas, while avoiding arbitrary or unlawful actions.
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