A Division Bench of the Madras High Court comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthil Kumar Ramamoorthy- has in the case of V.E.Shiva v. The Principal Secretary & Ors. observed that the Animal Husbandry Department should propose a plan on feeding and treatment of strayed dogs and animals in this pandemic. Vaccination of animals can also be done if necessary for the dogs and cats in the public interest.
“A comprehensive plan dealing with vaccinating stray dogs and cats, if necessary, or collaring them or the like should also be thought of in the best interest of both the animals and the human population that they come to contact with.”
Background of the Case
The petitioner filed the present Public Interest Litigation seeking engagement of his association in the protection and welfare of animals. The focus of the Writ Petition was on the feeding of stray animals during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the dogs. This Writ Petition was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to take necessary steps to ensure that stray Animals were provided with food and water in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reasoning and Decision of the Court
The Court in its previous order had issued direction to constitute a committee for proposing appropriate measures for feeding the strayed dogs. The Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services sent a letter on June 8, 2021, to the Registry of this Court indicating the various steps taken pursuant to the order dated June 3, 2021.
The Highlight of the letter is as follows:
"1- 2500 kg of dog feed and 200 kg of cat feed had been procured
2- 500 feeders had been provided to ensure the feeding of stray and abandoned animals
3- The second tranche of procurement is proposed to be made immediately once the earlier material has exhausted
4- A sum of Rs.19.79 lakh is available in CSR account opened for the purpose of feeding stray and community animals."
The letter further explained the expenditure done by the Committee in the procurement of these materials in various corporation areas. The Court ordered the Animal Husbandry Department to chalk out a holistic plan for the general treatment of stray animals in the State, providing for a scientific and humane approach even during normal times.
A comprehensive plan dealing with vaccinating stray dogs and cats, if necessary, or collaring them or the like should also be thought of in the best interest of both the animals and the human population that they come to contact with.
Case Details
Case: - WP.No.11990 of 2021
Petitioner: - V.E.Shiva
Respondent: - The Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries Department & Ors.
Counsel for Petitioner: - Mr.A.M.Natraj
Counsel for Respondent: - Mr.R.Neelakandan
Judge: Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthil Kumar Ramamoorthy
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