NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court for the first time on Tuesday allowed euthanasia of rabid, terminally ill or clearly dangerous stray dogs to curb the threat to human life.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Angaria issued a slew of directions to deal with the growing number of stray dogs in the country.
The Council categorically affirmed that prohibiting the euthanasia of stray dogs is the most important direction it issues to the authorities and officials of civic bodies.
She said civil authorities may resort to euthanasia in areas where the number of stray dogs has reached alarming levels, and where repeated dog bites or aggressive attacks pose a continuing threat to public safety.
The council said that this measure, in addition to other legal measures, could be taken after evaluation by veterinary experts and in strict compliance with the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 and other applicable legal protocols.
The Supreme Court issued this order in a single case, initiated on July 28 last year, over a media report about stray dog bites leading to rabies, especially among children, in the national capital.
On Tuesday, she rejected pleas seeking to overturn her previous order on the relocation and sterilization of stray canines, noting that the right to live with dignity includes the right to move freely without the threat of harm from dog bite attacks.
It directed the states and union territories to ensure implementation of its earlier directives that dogs picked up from public places should not be returned to the same place after vaccination/sterilization.
It also directed the states and union territories to take steps to strengthen the framework for animal birth control.
“Ensure establishment of at least one fully functional ABC Center in each district duly equipped with necessary infrastructure, trained staff, surgical facilities and supporting logistics,” the council said.
“The court cannot remain oblivious to the harsh ground realities where children, international travelers and the elderly have fallen victim to dog bite incidents,” she added.
On November 7 last year, the court had noted the “alarming rise” in dog bite incidents in areas such as educational institutions, hospitals and railway stations and ordered that stray dogs be shifted to designated shelters after sterilization and vaccination.
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