Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Stray Dog Menace, Rabies Deaths

The Supreme Court on Monday, July 28th took suo motu cognisance of a news report highlighting the alarming rise in stray dog attacks, which have reportedly led to cases of rabies and the tragic deaths of young children and the elderly.

The Supreme Court also made strong remarks during a hearing concerning the feeding of stray dogs on public streets. 

A Bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala referred to the news item calling it ‘very alarming.’

The bench questioned whether public roads and lanes should be left open for stray animals at the cost of human safety. The bench further noted that if people were so large-hearted, they should consider feeding the animals inside their homes.

The bench observed that while animals appeared to have all the space, there seemed to be none left for human beings.

The report revealed hundreds of dog bite incidents in both cities and their outskirts, with victims succumbing to rabies due to lack of timely intervention.

Justice Pardiwala noted in open court: ‘The news item contains some disturbing facts. Infants and the elderly are falling prey to this dreadful disease.’

These remarks came during the hearing of a petition challenging an Allahabad High Court order regarding the management of stray dogs in Noida. 

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, were being followed and blamed local authorities in Noida for not designating feeding zones, unlike in Greater Noida.

The court highlighted the risks posed to morning walkers and cyclists by stray dogs and questioned whether public safety should be compromised due to sentiments. 

In response, the Bench directed the Supreme Court registry to register the matter as a suo motu writ petition and place it before the Chief Justice of India for further directions.

The Court’s intervention signals a possible judicial push for a coordinated national response to tackle the stray dog crisis.

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