The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over the failure of several States to comply with its earlier directions concerning the management of stray dogs and directed the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, except West Bengal, Delhi, and Telangana, to remain personally present before it on the next date of hearing. The Bench warned that failure to appear may invite costs or coercive measures. The Court observed that the matter reflects poorly on administrative responsibility and continued neglect of public safety concerns arising from stray dog incidents.
The Supreme Court is monitoring a suo motu matter concerning the enforcement of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, aimed at regulating stray dog populations and ensuring humane control measures. Earlier, all States and Union Territories were directed to file compliance affidavits outlining the steps taken to implement these rules.
However, during the recent hearing, the Court noted that only three States, West Bengal, Delhi, and Telangana, had filed their compliance reports. The Bench, therefore, directed the remaining Chief Secretaries to appear in person, remarking that administrative authorities cannot remain indifferent to judicial directions of national importance.
The Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria voiced sharp criticism over the lack of compliance, stating that such apathy reflects poorly on governance. The Court remarked that officers should have been aware of the proceedings through media coverage, even in the absence of formal notices.
“Didn’t the officers read newspapers or social media? Even without service, they ought to have known of this matter. All Chief Secretaries must be present before this Court on November 3. We will hold court in an auditorium if required,” the Bench observed.
The Court further expressed concern over recurring incidents involving stray dogs, noting that these incidents not only endanger citizens but also tarnish the country’s image internationally. “Continuous incidents are happening, and the image of the country is being shown as down in the eyes of foreign nations. We are also reading news reports,” Justice Nath remarked.
When one of the counsels referred to cases of animal cruelty, the Bench countered with a sharp retort, “What about the cruelty towards humans?”
The Court also cautioned against the rising number of intervention applications being filed by individuals and groups, including Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), observing that the proceedings must remain focused and practical. “If every RWA wants to be a party, how many crores of parties will appear before us? Only reasonable suggestions will be entertained,” the Bench stated.
The issue of stray dog management came into focus following an earlier order passed by a Bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan on August 11, directing municipal authorities in Delhi to begin immediate rounding up of stray dogs, especially from vulnerable areas, and to establish shelters with a minimum capacity of 5,000 dogs within eight weeks.
The order mandated sterilisation, vaccination, and de-worming of dogs and barred their release back to the streets until proper facilities were ensured. It also directed installation of CCTV cameras in shelters and the provision of food, medical aid, and sufficient staff. The same order had also warned animal welfare activists against “virtue signalling” while overlooking public safety concerns, a remark that sparked strong opposition from animal rights groups.
Subsequently, the matter was placed before a three-judge bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath, which modified the earlier directions. On August 22, the Court allowed the release of vaccinated and dewormed dogs from shelters and expanded the scope of the proceedings to cover stray dog issues across the country. All related petitions pending before High Courts were transferred to the Supreme Court for unified adjudication.
Directing strict compliance with its orders, the Apex Court has summoned all non-compliant Chief Secretaries to appear in person at the next hearing scheduled for November 3. The Bench reiterated that disregard for judicial orders will not be tolerated and warned that failure to appear may attract coercive steps or financial penalties.
The matter has been listed for further hearing, with the Court making it clear that accountability and effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control Rules must remain the immediate priority.
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