Supreme Court Directs Removal of Stray Dogs and Cattle Nationwide

In response to mounting concerns over the surge of dog bite incidents and the dangers posed by stray cattle, the Supreme Court has issued a pivotal order to state governments and local authorities across India. This order enforces the removal of stray dogs and cattle from public areas, highways, and shelters, mandating their relocation and care in designated shelters within a strict timeframe of eight weeks.

A bench comprised of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria delivered this directive while overseeing a suo motu case relating to the uptick in dog-bite incidents causing several rabies cases, particularly in children. The court highlighted the urgent need for authorities to ensure safety and hygiene in public spaces, stating that the situation has reached an "alarming level."

As per the order, stray dogs must be removed from educational institutions, healthcare facilities, bus terminals, railway stations, and sports venues. These animals will be transported to approved shelters for sterilization and vaccination prior to their relocation. Authorities are explicitly prohibited from releasing the dogs back to their previous locations, reinforcing the need to prioritize citizen welfare and public safety.

Municipal bodies are tasked with conducting routine inspections to verify the absence of stray dog habitats in and around public institutions. “Every stray dog is to be removed immediately from such sites and transferred to a shelter after sterilization,” the court emphasized, mandating completion of this process within the stipulated eight-week period.

The bench also tackled the issue of stray cattle on national and state highways, instructing all states and union territories to eliminate these animals promptly to avert road mishaps. It called for the establishment of dedicated highway patrol teams responsible for identifying, capturing, and relocating stray cattle to shelters. Additionally, national highways are required to display helpline numbers for the public to report stray animal incidents.

The Supreme Court clarified that chief secretaries of all states and union territories will bear responsibility for any negligence or failure to abide by the directives. Furthermore, it underscored that adequate care, shelter, and medical attention must be guaranteed for the relocated animals.

In its statement, the bench noted that comprehensive affidavits summarizing the actions taken by authorities should be submitted by the next hearing, scheduled for January 13. “Any laxity will be viewed seriously,” the order warned.

The court's order also stressed adherence to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, directing all states and union territories to rectify existing shortcomings and ensure the efficient monitoring of sterilization and vaccination efforts.

Previously, in July, the Supreme Court had declared that all stray dogs in Delhi and surrounding areas should be relocated from residential zones to shelters following several fatal rabies cases. It had cautioned that any individual or organization obstructing lawful removals by authorities would face “the strictest action.”

This latest order broadens that directive to a national scale, concerning not just stray dogs but also cattle and other animals in public domains. The initiative aims to bolster public safety while ensuring humane treatment for animals via organized care and rehabilitation.

The challenge of stray animals, especially dogs and cattle, has been a persistent issue in India, impacting road safety, community health, and welfare. The Supreme Court's ruling signifies a crucial move toward addressing this enduring concern, merging animal welfare with the protection of citizens.