The Supreme Court of India has handed down a landmark ruling that would transform the way the entire nation manages the population of stray dogs. The judgment of the three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath today is a complete overhaul of the policy on stray dog management in all states and Union Territories.
Major Shift From The Supreme Court In Policy
The Supreme Court slightly altered its previous ruling of August 11. Initially, the Court had passed a decision that stray dogs collected within the National Capital Region of Delhi should not be set loose on the streets. But the amended ruling takes a more balanced path while expanding its jurisdiction to the country.
The Court explained that stray dogs should be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to the place where they were found. However, it is important to note that there are some exceptions; dogs that are infected with rabies or those that show aggressive tendencies will not be released and must be put in special shelters.
Ban On Public Feeding Of Stray Dogs
Among the most effective decisions is the nationwide prohibition on feeding stray dogs in the streets and other areas. This decision will have an immediate impact on thousands of animal lovers who feed street dogs in the country on a routine basis.
The Designated Feeding Zones: The New Solution
Instead of random feeding, municipal authorities will have to work out special feeding areas around each ward. It is in these designated areas that stray dogs can be fed, and signboards will be placed indicating to the public that it is only in these designated areas where a person can feed a stray dog.
This system will work towards containing the number of stray dogs on the streets and providing them with adequate care in controlled environments.
The 10 most important things that the Supreme Court Judgment says
- Edit Release Guidelines
Stray dogs found on the streets by the authorities will be taken through a full procedure, which includes sterilizing, deworming, and vaccinating, before being released back to the same destination. Aggressive dogs or dogs that may have rabies will be treated differently and kept in separate shelters.
- Nationwide Restrictions on Average Household Feeding
The Court in its judgment placed a blanket prohibition on feeding stray dogs in public places across India. This applies to all nationals and agencies.
- Renovation of Unified Dining Locations
Municipalities have been instructed to set up special feeding areas in each ward. These centers will display signboards that clearly explain the new feeding rules to the people.
- Helpline Services
In all municipal bodies, helpline numbers must be established to receive complaints about violations regarding stray dog feeding and management. Officials should take appropriate action against individuals who violate these regulations.
- No Interference Policy
The Court made it clear that no individual or organization is allowed to hinder the work of officials assigned to stray dog control initiatives. Any obstruction of this kind will have a penal outcome.
- Accountability Financial Measures
Individuals concerned about animals and NGOs that approach the court will be required to pay a fee of Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh, respectively. The money shall be utilized to enhance infrastructure and facilities for stray dogs.
- Organized Adoption Procedure
People who wish to adopt stray dogs can now apply to the municipal organizations. Adopted dogs are to be tagged and checked; they should not be released back to the street.
- Compliance Documentation
Municipal authorities must report and submit comprehensive affidavits to demonstrate the policy as necessitated by Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules. This shall contain details about the available resources, such as dog-catching officers, cages, and shelters, among others.
- Pan-India Implementation
The Supreme Court has widened this case to include all states and Union Territories. Cases on the same grounds that are awaiting adjudication in the High Courts will be transferred to the Supreme Court to establish a common policy.
- CMS Comprehensive Monitoring System
Municipal governments are required to keep records of stray dogs caught, held, sterilized, and returned. They should report back to the Court regularly on progress.
The Back Story
The landmark case started as a suo motu case following an announcement in the news that showed the threats of stray dogs in Delhi, especially to children. The Supreme Court ruled on August 11 in favor of the Delhi High Court to immediately remove/imprison stray dogs in Delhi NCR and not to release stray dogs back onto the street at all.
Such an aggressive strategy encountered a lot of opposition and court cases. Critics maintained that it was inconsistent with previous court orders and also contravened the principles of animal welfare. It is because of these concerns that the case was shifted to a three-judge bench on August 13.
The current modified order is a more humane and holistic strategy towards stray dog management. The Court has insisted on developing a comprehensive and pan-India approach that includes humane treatment of stray dogs without endangering the life of citizens to rabies and dog bites.
This holistic policy covers animal welfare along with the safety concerns of citizens, providing a platform to be adopted by all states and Union Territories. The ruling provides clear directives on feeding, sterilization, adoption, and monitoring, which will have a unifying effect on the management of stray dogs in the country.
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