NEW DELHI: Animal welfare activists argued on Monday that the SC order was in violation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, issued by the central govt. These rules do not endorse the shifting of dogs from the localities where they are caught. The activists also pointed out that Delhi-NCR does not have a single govt-run dog shelter.
They also wondered how dogs could be shifted without a headcount of an area's canine population. "The logical way is to first conduct a dog census, arrive at a coherent definition of 'aggressive dogs', then shift them to shelters," said animal activist Sonya Ghosh. tnn
'Order shows misunderstanding of issue' Ghosh felt that the order would put the central govt and the judiciary in conflict if the directive on relocation of dogs was to be implemented. "The ABC Rules do not permit the permanent relocation of strays," Ghosh said.
"It seems that there is a lack of awareness on the court's part that, at present, there are no govt shelters for dogs in the region. Eight weeks is a very short time to set up the required shelters. Also, the civic bodies lack the manpower required for action."
Alokparna Sengupta, managing director, Humane World for Animals India, said the directive to round up dogs was both scientifically unsound and practically unachievable.
"This approach demonstrates a misunderstanding of the issue, law and the science that governs it. Particularly since govt hasn't successfully implemented birth control programmes, which should be the primary focus rather than simply relocating the dogs," said Sengupta.
Peta India similarly felt that an efficient sterilisation programme would be a better option. In a statement, it said, "If Delhi govt implemented an effective dog sterilisation programme, there would hardly be any dogs on the road today. It isn't too late to start control programmes. Instead of wasting time, effort and public resources on ineffective and inhumane displacement drives, an effective sterilisation programme is still the solution and urgent need."
Peta said other important measures would include the closure of illegal pet shops and breeders that contribute to animal abandonment. It also batted for encouraging the public to take in a dog in need from an animal shelter or off the street.
Advocate Nanita Sharma, who regularly takes up dog-related cases, said the order was unprecedented and against the law laid down by the Supreme Court as well as the high courts. "ABC Rules are the only effective, humane and sustainable approach to managing the dog population in India. However, the authorities haven't performed their statutory duties or seriously conducted sterilisation programmes in spite of lakhs of rupees being granted for this particular purpose. This is not a dog menace, but a human menace of corruption and apathy," Sharma said.
Meanwhile, the dog-loving community staged a protest to condemn the court order. The protest started near the court premises before moving to India Gate around 6.30pm. The protest, led by animal activist Manavi Rai, was eventually dispersed by Delhi Police at India Gate. A police officer said 25-30 people were detained while protesting on Janpath.
Chinchil Gupta said, "This order should not have been given in a country that believes in peaceful coexistence. Just because these poor creatures can't speak for themselves, they can't be evicted from our localities. As for rabies, the cases will subside with proper vaccination and sterilisation, so the civic authorities should focus on that."
A lawyer, who wished not to be identified, added, "I have no issue with changing the ABC Rules as it's incapable of addressing the situation. But ordering the removal of all the community dogs from residential localities to shelters, whether they are vaccinated or not, is an extreme step I didn't expect." Rahul Sharma, another animal supporter, echoed the sentiment. "What's not sitting well with me is why a dog needs to be relocated if it's vaccinated and sterilised. Once vaccinated and sterilised, it's not a rabies threat nor does it breed," he argued.
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