By Shubhangi Chauhan
The Supreme Court has directed that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be removed from residential places within eight weeks, to be permanently put in shelters. The order follows increased cases of dog bite and death as a result of rabies, more so in children and the elderly.
Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan on a bench took suo motu cognizance of a media report on the issue, calling the situation “grim” and requiring urgent action. The court explained that the sentiments should not override public safety. “Infants and young children should not, at any cost, fall prey to stray dogs,” Justice Pardiwala said.
Directing the authorities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, the SC instructed they add CCTV cameras to set up specific shelters with trained personalities for sterilisation and immunisation as well as secure perimeters that no dog may escape. According to the court, no stray dog, sterilised or otherwise should be released into the streets.
Authorities have been told to begin in hot spots and bring in about 5,000 dogs in six weeks. A daily log of captured dogs should be kept on a daily basis and anyone interrupting the process will face contempt of court. The bench also did not permit adoptions because they were afraid that the animals, which were abandoned, would once again get to the streets.
The court was informed by Tushar Mehta, the Solicitor General of India that a place has been found for relocation, but due to a stay order obtained by animal rights activists the shift is on hold. Such delays were condemned by the bench when it asked the question, “Will these activists revive those who died due to rabies?”
Civic bodies have been requested to establish a 24×7 helpline for reporting dog bites. The court emphasised that if needed, authorities should form a special force tasked with conducting the drive.“This is the first and foremost exercise to realize making all localities free of stray dogs. Not a compromise,” the order stated.
According to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, between January and June this year, 49 rabies cases and over 35,000 incidents of animal bites had been recorded in the city. The World Health Organization stated that India records 36 percent of global deaths due to rabies, with nearly 60,000 deaths worldwide each year.