look news india
The Supreme Court on Friday heard the issue of stray dogs across the country. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria heard the case. The Supreme Court has banned the presence of stray animals on highways and expressways and has ordered their immediate removal.
Justice Nath said that the order is in three parts. The first part is on compliance. The contents of the amicus report will be considered an integral part of our order. The State/UT will file a comprehensive affidavit before the next hearing, setting out the steps taken to remedy the deficiencies highlighted in the report. Any laxity will be taken seriously.
What was said in the order?
Justice Nath said that the second order is related to the directions of the Rajasthan High Court. These instructions are confirmed to the extent that nodal officers of all states will ensure removal of stray animals from the national highways. A joint, coordinated operation will be launched for immediate removal of all animals, including cattle, found on highways/roads/expressways. All necessary care of cattle and other animals will be provided.
He said in his order that Chief Secretaries of all states/Union Territories should ensure strict compliance with this. Otherwise, the officers will be personally liable. The status report of compliance with the directions should be submitted within eight weeks.
The Supreme Court said that the third directive relates to institutional areas. In view of the increasing incidents of dog bites, this Court considers it necessary to issue the following directions.
State Governments/Union Territories should identify all government establishments including district hospitals, public sports complexes and railway stations within two weeks. Ensure that buildings are secured by installing adequate fencing as necessary to prevent entry of stray dogs.
This work is to be completed within eight weeks. Appoint a nodal officer to look after the management area of the institutions.
The local municipal authorities will regularly inspect all such premises to ensure that no stray dog resides there. Every stray dog shall be immediately removed from such premises and after sterilization shall be shifted to a shelter. No stray dog shall be released in the area from where it was picked up. Allowing this to happen would defeat the purpose.
