The apex court has delivered its order on the stray dogs in Delhi-NCR region. On August 22, the Supreme Court stayed an earlier order passed on August 11 by a two-judge Bench. That order had directed that stray dogs picked up from the Delhi-NCR region must not be released. A three-judge Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria clarified that stray dogs taken off the streets must be released back in the same area after they are sterilised, dewormed, and vaccinated. However, dogs that are infected with rabies, suspected to be infected, or show aggressive behaviour will not be released. Now what are the civic bodies supposed to do according to the modified order?
What The Court Order Says
According To LiveLaw following is the order:
“The Municipal authorities shall forthwith commence the exercise of creating dedicated feeding spaces for stray dogs in each municipal ward. The feeding area shall be identified keeping in view with the population of stray dogs in the ward. Notice boards must be placed mentioning that stray dogs shall be fed only in such areas. Under no condition shall the feeding of stray dogs on the streets be permitted. The persons found feeding the dogs in contravention of this direction shall be liable to be proceeded with under the relevant framework. The aforesaid direction is being issued in the light of reports regarding untoward incidents caused by unregulated feeding of stray dogs and to ensure that the practice of feeding dogs on roads and in public places is eliminated, as the said practice creates great difficulties for the common man walking in the streets.”
Now The direction is as follows:
Municipal authorities shall continue to comply with the directions contained in paragraphs 12.1 and 12.2 of the August 11 order – which pertain to the creation of dog shelters and pounds.