New Delhi, Aug 13(UNI) Chief Justice of India BR Gavai today agreed to examine concerns surrounding the Supreme Court’s recent order directing the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR, after the directive sparked strong criticism from animal rights groups.
During a mention before the CJI-led Bench, counsel pointed out that a previous Bench headed by Justice Maheshwari had passed orders against relocating community dogs.
At the outset, CJI Gavai noted that recent orders had already been issued on the matter but assured that he would look into the issue.
A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ordered that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be captured and shifted to dedicated dog shelters, with a bar on releasing them back into localities even after sterilisation.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court about possible interventions by animal rights activists, prompting the Bench to caution that contempt proceedings could be initiated against anyone obstructing the implementation of its directions.
“All these animal activists and so-called lovers, will they be able to bring back the children who have fallen prey to rabies? Let’s take a practical view of the matter,” the Court remarked, criticising activists for ignoring the human cost of stray dog attacks.
The Court had taken suo motu cognisance in July following a Newspaper report titled “City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay Price,” highlighting alarming statistics, an average of 20,000 dog bite cases nationwide daily, with 2,000 reported in Delhi alone.
The report cited recent incidents, including a six-year-old girl, Chavi Sharma, mauled in her locality despite repeated complaints to authorities, and a four-year-old boy, Abhishek Rai, attacked in Delhi’s Alipur area while returning from school.
Advocate Gaurav Agarwal was appointed as amicus curiae to assist in the matter. In earlier hearings, the Court had also questioned a Noida resident seeking protection for his right to feed strays in public, asking, “Why don’t you feed them at home?” while stressing that compassion for animals must not endanger public safety, particularly children and the elderly.
The Rajasthan High Court has since echoed the Supreme Court’s concern, directing municipal bodies to conduct special drives to remove stray dogs and other animals from public spaces, ensuring minimal harm during the process. The court further empowered municipal officials to take legal action, including lodging FIRs, against anyone obstructing such operations.
