In a landmark move aimed at safeguarding public health and safety, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the complete removal of stray dogs from all localities across Delhi-NCR within eight weeks. The directive, issued by a bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, mandates the construction of permanent dog shelters and strictly prohibits the release of captured animals back onto the streets.
Background: A Grim Wake-Up Call
The court took suo motu cognisance of a tragic incident involving a six-year-old girl who died from rabies following a dog bite. Citing hundreds of bite cases and fatalities, especially among children and the elderly, the bench described the situation as “highly disturbing” and “grim”.
Key Directives from the Supreme Court
- Stray Dog Removal Deadline: All civic bodies in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad must round up stray dogs within eight weeks.
- Permanent Shelters: Authorities must construct shelters equipped for sterilisation, immunisation, and long-term care.
- No Release Policy: Captured dogs must not be returned to public spaces under any circumstances.
- CCTV Monitoring: All shelters must be monitored to prevent escape or unauthorized removal.
- Helpline Setup: A dedicated helpline must be established to report dog bite cases, with response time capped at four hours.
- Legal Action Against Obstruction: Individuals or organizations obstructing the removal process will face contempt proceedings.
Public Safety Over Sentiment
The bench emphasized that the directive is in the public interest and should not be influenced by emotional appeals. “We are not doing this for ourselves. No sentiments should interfere,” Justice Pardiwala stated. The court refused to entertain objections from animal rights activists, asserting that public safety must take precedence.
Impact on Residents and RWAs
The ruling significantly alters the responsibilities of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs):
- Feeding stray dogs in public areas will no longer be permitted.
- RWAs must cooperate with civic authorities and avoid obstructing removal efforts.
- Legal consequences await those who hide or protect stray dogs from capture.
