Supreme Court Allows Euthanasia of Rabid, Aggressive Stray Dogs
The Supreme Court permits euthanasia for rabid and aggressive stray dogs.
Top Summary
- What happened: The Supreme Court allowed the euthanasia of rabid and aggressive stray dogs.
- Why it matters: The court deemed the presence of stray dogs in public places "alarming" due to rising dog bite cases.
- What changes: Authorities can now euthanize incurably ill, rabid, or dangerous stray dogs following Animal Birth Control rules.
- Who is affected: The order impacts state governments, animal welfare organizations, and the general public.
Supreme Court Order on Stray Dogs
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Tuesday authorized authorities to euthanize stray dogs exhibiting rabies or aggressive behavior.
The decision came as part of the court's verdict on petitions seeking changes to earlier orders regarding the relocation of stray dogs.
Justices' Concerns
A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice NV Anjaria dismissed the petitions, emphasizing the "alarming" number of stray dogs in public spaces.
The court acknowledged the rising instances of dog bites, particularly affecting children and the elderly.
"Authorities may, in accordance with the Animal Birth Control rules and other applicable statutory protocols, take legally permissible measures, including euthanasia in cases involving incurably ill, rabid or demonstrably dangerous/aggressive dogs to effectively cure the threat posed to human life and safety,"
the Supreme Court stated.
Earlier Directives
The Supreme Court criticized state governments for not adhering to previous instructions.
Last year, the court ordered authorities to remove stray dogs from public areas such as hospitals, parks, and railway stations, relocating them to shelters.
The court ruled that these dogs, once sterilized, cannot be returned to their original locations.
Furthermore, the court prohibited the feeding of dogs in public areas, restricting it to designated zones.
Reactions to the Order
Several NGOs and dog lovers had approached the Supreme Court to request modifications to the existing order. Their pleas were ultimately dismissed.
What to Watch Next
It remains to be seen how state governments will implement the Supreme Court's order and ensure compliance with Animal Birth Control rules and other relevant protocols. Further developments are expected regarding the designation of feeding zones for stray dogs in public areas.