Supreme Court (SC) issues modified directions to control the menace of stray dogs

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SC’s earlier order to shift all stray dogs to shelters, without return, was referred to a three-judge bench.

Supreme Court’s Modified Directions

Prohibition on Public Feeding: It is now illegal to feed stray dogs on streets and in public places.
Dedicated Feeding Spaces: To be created by municipal authorities in each municipal ward.
Relocation After Treatment: Sterilized, dewormed, and vaccinated dogs must be returned to their original pick-up location.
- This policy excludes dogs with rabies, suspected rabies, or aggressive behavior.
National Policy: SC has expanded the case to include all States and Union Territories, consolidating related High Court cases for a final national policy.
Adoption: Animal lovers are permitted to apply to municipal bodies for the adoption of street dogs.

Stray Dog Population: 1.5 crore stray dog population(2019 livestock census).
Public Safety Concern: Rising attacks by aggressive and rabid stray dogs threaten citizens’ safety.
- India accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies deaths.
- Dog bites and scratches cause 99% of the human rabies cases.

Constitution: Article 243W mandates municipalities to control stray dog population.
- Article 51A(g): Fundamental Duty “to have compassion for living creatures”.
Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 seek to control stray dog through sterilisation and vaccination.
Court Judgements:
- Jallikattu Case 2014: Interpreted the right to life and liberty (Article 21) as extending to animals.
- People for Elimination of Stray Trouble v. Animal Welfare Board of India: Suspended the killing of all street dogs, including troublemakers.