Delhi-NCR Stray Dogs: 'I will look into it, ' said CJI Gavai on the petition related to stray dogs

An appeal was made in the Supreme Court for an early hearing on a petition regarding stray dogs. The petition was filed by the Conference for Human Rights (India) in 2024, challenging an order of the Delhi High Court.

According to Live and Law, the petition sought directions under the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules for sterilization and vaccination of community dogs in Delhi.

Regarding the petition, CJI Gavai said that a bench has already given its verdict on this issue. He referred to the August 11 order of a bench headed by Justice JB Pardiwala, which directed the transfer of stray dogs of Delhi to a dog shelter.

Referred to the order of the old case to the lawyer

The lawyer, in response, referred to the May 2024 order of a bench headed by Justice JK Maheshwari. In this order, the petitions related to stray dogs were handed over to the respective High Courts.

The lawyer also read out an important part of the order, which said, "We make it clear that under no circumstances can there be indiscriminate killing of dogs. The authorities have to act according to the existing laws and by their spirit. Needless to say, it is our constitutional value and duty to show compassion towards all living beings." Hearing the lawyer's argument, CJI Gavai said, "I will look into it." What decision did the Supreme Court give regarding stray dogs? The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Delhi government and civic bodies to start catching stray dogs from all areas as soon as possible and keep them in dog shelters. On July 28, the apex court took suo motu cognizance of media reports of rabies being caused by dog bites in Delhi. Passing several directions to deal with dog bite incidents, the court warned that if any person or organization obstructs the capture of stray dogs by the authorities, strict action will be taken against them. Instructions to build shelter homes for 5,000 stray dogs

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said that for now, shelter homes should be built for about 5,000 stray dogs and adequate staff should be deployed there so that the dogs can be sterilized and vaccinated.

The court said, "Stray dogs should be kept in dog shelters and not left on roads, colonies, and public places. We are issuing these instructions keeping in mind the larger public interest.