Rajasthan high court asks civic bodies to remove stray animals from all public places

JODHPUR: Rajasthan high court has asked municipal authorities statewide to remove all stray dogs, cattle and other animals from public places, taking care to ensure they aren't harmed during the relocation.

The directive, coinciding with Supreme Court order Monday to herd stray dogs roaming the streets of Delhi-NCR into designated shelters, came on a suo motu petition highlighting frequent instances of conflicts and accidents triggered by stray dogs and cattle getting a free run on highways, streets and lanes across the state.

The division bench of Justices Kuldeep Mathur and Ravi Chirania put the onus on civic officials to frame strategies for the drive, including creating shelters for strays, instituting processes to hand over cattle back to their owners, and initiating action against those obstructing their efforts.

Municipalities are authorised to file FIRs against those impeding govt staff executing orders. The bench said strict law enforcement was imperative to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain public order.

The judges sought a detailed report on the condition and maintenance of dog shelters and gaushalas managed by all municipal bodies before the next hearing, scheduled for September 8.