SC Orders Relocation of All Stray Dogs in Delhi

The Supreme Court has issued an important order to solve the problem of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. The court has directed that all stray dogs should be caught and shifted to 'dog shelter' within the next 8 weeks. Along with this, the court has clarified that these dogs will not be left at their previous place again.

The Supreme Court, taking suo motu cognizance of the increasing incidents of dog bites in the national capital, has directed the Delhi government, MCD and NDMC to build shelters for stray dogs. The bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan clarified that newborns and small children should not be allowed to become victims of stray dogs under any circumstances. The court stressed the need for immediate action in view of the seriousness of the situation and also directed that adequate number of staff should be available for sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs in the shelter sites.

After the death of a 6-year-old girl due to rabies in Pooth Kalan in Rohini area of Delhi recently, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of this serious problem. Referring to a media report related to this case, the court termed it 'extremely worrying'. The Supreme Court said that hundreds of dog bite incidents are being reported daily in the city and its surrounding areas, increasing the risk of rabies. Especially children and the elderly are becoming more victims of this problem.

The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi government, MCD and NDMC to set up shelter homes for about 5000 dogs within eight weeks. The court also said that adequate number of staff should be available in these shelters for sterilization and vaccination of dogs. Along with this, the authorities have been ordered to develop this infrastructure and increase its number from time to time. The court has called this action necessary, because before the construction of the shelter, more people may fall victim to dog bite incidents.

Instructions for Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram as well

The Supreme Court has given similar instructions to the officials of Delhi as well as Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram. The court has emphasized the need to catch stray dogs, set up shelter homes and start helplines. The court clarified that it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that people can go out without any fear. Along with this, the court has said to strictly ensure compliance with these instructions and has termed any kind of compromise as unacceptable.