Supreme Court rejects plea to stay earlier order on stray dogs; cites 'absence of sustained efforts' by states

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to stay its order directing the removal of stray dogs from public institutions such as hospitals, schools and colleges, rejecting pleas filed by animal lovers and welfare groups."Court can't remain oblivious to harsh ground realities where kids, travellers, elderly have fallen victim to dog bite incidents," the apex court said while rejecting a number of pleas by animal lovers.The apex court said that state and union territory governments failed to implement Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 to control population of stray dogs and that has reasulted in alarming situation.Also read: GCC sterilises 3,500 stray dogs in 4 mosThe SC said that non-compliace of its order on stray dogs will make officials of municipal bodies and state govt liable for contempt of court.The panel comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria said that state cannot remain mute spectator when people suffer due to stray dog bites and it is against rule of law and violation of fundamental rights of citizens. "Right to life with dignity encompasses right to live freely without threat of harm from dogs," the court said.States have been asked to set up at least one ABC centre in each district. Meanwhile, the apex court instructed the high courts to register a suo motu case to monitor implementation of its order on stary dogs and to ensure compliance in their jurisdiction.The court further directed police to not file any FIR or criminal proceedings against government officials for carrying out is order on stray dogs.Also read: Dhanbad Municipal Corporation intensifies drive to control stray dog population