SC Orders Removal of Stray Dogs From Public Places

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

In News

• The Supreme Court, in suo motu proceedings, issued nationwide directions to remove stray dogs and cattle from key public and institutional areas.
  • SC observed that repeated dog-bite incidents are “Not merely a public health challenge, but a matter of human safety under Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity). 

Key Directions by the Supreme Court

• Non-release Clause: Dogs removed from such spaces cannot be returned to the same locality.
• Accountability: Held the Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs and the Chairperson, NHAI, personally accountable for enforcement.
  • Conduct quarterly inspections to ensure compliance.
• Municipal Accountability: Local bodies to submit compliance reports within 8 weeks.
• Vaccine Stocking: All hospitals must maintain adequate anti-rabies vaccines.
• NHAI Directive: Remove cattle and stray animals from highways; establish 24×7 highway patrols with helplines.
• Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): To frame Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for stray dog management across India.

Issue of Stray Dog Problem in India

• India is home to an estimated 60–70 million stray dogs, one of the world’s largest populations.
• India accounts for one-third of global rabies deaths, with over 20,000 deaths annually. Over 17 lakh dog bite cases were recorded in 2023, as per the Union Health Ministry.
• Local bodies often lack funds, shelters, and coordination for ABC implementation.

Ethical Dimension

• Conflict of Values: Compassion for animals vs. protection of human life.
• Ethical Resolution: Humane relocation and sterilisation ensures justice to both sides — preventing cruelty while ensuring safety.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• Article 21 (Right to Life): Right to life includes the right to live safely and with dignity — extends to freedom from avoidable dangers in public spaces.
• Article 48A: State shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard wildlife.
• Article 51A(g): It is the duty of every citizen to show compassion to living creatures.
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: Parent legislation for animal welfare and prevention of cruelty.
• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023: TMandates sterilisation, vaccination, and humane management of stray dogs.
• Municipal Acts / Local Body Laws: Assign responsibility for stray management and waste control to local bodies.

Way Ahead

• Prioritize Infrastructure: The long-term success of the order hinges on rapidly building and funding sufficient, humane shelters (pounds/kennels) for the relocated dogs.
• Strengthen ABC Implementation: The focus must return to achieving the WHO-mandated 70% sterilisation coverage in all localities to reduce overall dog population growth.
• Inter-Departmental Coordination: Effective implementation requires a “One Health” approach, mandating coordination between the Animal Husbandry, Urban Development, Health, and Transport departments.
• Community Engagement: Local bodies must work with NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and community feeders to demarcate designated feeding zones (as per Rule 20 of ABC Rules, 2023) to manage the strays in other areas.

Source: TH