Supreme Court Mandates Nationwide Removal of Stray Dogs and Cattle

In response to rising reports of dog bites and accidents linked to wandering cattle, the Supreme Court has delivered a pivotal ruling requiring Indian states, municipal authorities, and transport officials to act promptly. The court's order mandates the removal of stray dogs and cattle from public areas, roadways, and institutions, ensuring their relocation to designated shelters within an eight-week timeframe.

This directive came from a bench that included Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria. They emphasized the pressing need for action in light of increasing dog-bite incidents leading to several rabies cases, particularly affecting children. It was noted that maintaining safety and hygiene in public settings had become a critical concern.

According to the court's ruling, stray dogs are to be cleared from educational facilities, hospitals, bus terminals, railway stations, and sports venues. These animals will be taken to certified shelters for sterilization and vaccination prior to relocation. The court prohibited the return of these dogs to their original locations, prioritizing the safety and well-being of citizens.

Municipal bodies are now tasked with conducting regular inspections to eliminate any stray dog habitats around public institutions. “Every stray dog is to be immediately removed from such premises and relocated after sterilization,” stated the court, underscoring that this must all occur within the specified eight-week period.

The bench also tackled the issue of stray cattle on national and state highways, directing unchanged action to immediately remove these animals to avert road mishaps. The court called for the establishment of designated highway patrols dedicated to locating, capturing, and relocating stray cattle to shelters while ensuring national highways display helpline numbers for reporting stray animals.

The Supreme Court affirmed that chief secretaries of all states and union territories would be held accountable for any negligence in executing these directives. They emphasized that adequate care, shelter, and medical treatment must be arranged for the relocated animals.

The bench demanded that comprehensive affidavits reflecting the actions taken by the authorities must be presented ahead of the next scheduled hearing on January 13. “Any failure to act will be taken very seriously,” the order stated.

Additionally, the court's instructions included strict adherence to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, mandating that all states and union territories must correct observed deficiencies and enhance monitoring of sterilization and vaccination programs.

Earlier, in July, the Supreme Court had decreed that stray dogs in Delhi and surrounding regions should be relocated from residential neighborhoods to shelters after several rabies cases were linked to them. It had also cautioned that any individual or entity hindering lawful removal of stray dogs would face stringent repercussions.

This latest directive stretches that mandate across the nation, addressing not only stray dogs but also cattle and other animals found on highways and public grounds. The intention is to improve public safety while ensuring humane treatment for these animals through organized care and rehabilitation.

The matter of stray animals, particularly dogs and cattle, has remained a significant problem in India, impacting road safety, public health, and community welfare. The Supreme Court’s ruling signifies a remarkable advancement towards resolving this long-standing issue, blending animal welfare with the protection of citizens.