Supreme Court Criticizes States on Stray Dog Order

Supreme Court Pulls Up States Over Stray Dog Negligence

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court has criticised several States and Union Territories for failing to comply with its August 22 directive on implementing Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. It has ordered Chief Secretaries to personally appear on November 3 to explain the non-compliance. The court’s action comes in response to concerns raised under the Consumer Protection Act regarding public safety and animal welfare.

Supreme Court Criticizes States on Stray Dog Order

Supreme Court’s Strong Rebuke to States:

  • A three-judge Bench, led by Justice Vikram Nath, expressed concern over non-implementation of the ABC Rules, 2023 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
  • The rules mandate sterilisation, deworming, and immunisation of stray dogs to manage their population humanely.
  • The Court observed that repeated dog attacks were tarnishing India’s global image.
  • Justices Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria joined in criticising States for their inaction despite clear orders.
  • The Bench noted, “Nothing has come on record. Continuous incidents are happening,” showing its displeasure at the authorities’ attitude.

Court Summons Chief Secretaries for Non-Compliance

  • Only Telangana, West Bengal, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) submitted compliance affidavits on time.
  • The Court exempted West Bengal and Telangana from appearing, while ordering Chief Secretaries of other States/UTs to be present on November 3.
  • The Chief Secretary of Delhi has also been asked to appear, as the MCD’s affidavit alone was insufficient.
  • Justice Nath directed Additional Solicitor-General Archana Pathak Dave to ensure Delhi’s explanation is filed before the hearing.
  • The Bench stated that a detailed order would be passed next week after reviewing the explanations.

The court has emphasized the need for a robust grievance redressal mechanism to address public concerns and has suggested that citizens should be able to file a first information report in cases of severe negligence. The implementation of the ABC Rules is seen as a crucial step in balancing public safety with animal welfare, in line with the principles of magic remedies for societal issues.

About Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 :
● The ABC Rules, 2023 were framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 to ensure humane stray dog population control.
● They promote the Catch–Neuter–Vaccinate–Release (CNVR) model for controlling stray dog numbers.
● Local authorities are responsible for sterilisation and anti-rabies drives to curb bites and rabies transmission.
● The rules prohibit culling and encourage community involvement and animal welfare organisation participation.
● These rules align with India’s commitment to One Health and animal welfare ethics in public health management.

The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the urgent need for effective implementation of the 1954 act and subsequent legislation to address objectionable advertisement practices, particularly those related to misleading medical advertisements. This comprehensive approach aims to safeguard public health while ensuring ethical treatment of animals.