Supreme Court Warns Chief Secretaries Over Failure to Control Stray Dogs

The Supreme Court criticised several states for failing to take effective action to deal with the problem of stray dogs.

The case arose from a batch of matters relating to the enforcement of the Animal Birth Control Rules and the Court’s earlier directions on the removal of stray animals from highways and institutional premises.

The Court noted serious deficiencies in sterilisation measures, availability of shelters and dog pounds, and absence of credible data on dog bite incidents. It observed that many affidavits submitted by states were vague and misleading, calling them “total eye wash.”

The Court reiterated its interim directions and warned that chief secretaries could be summoned again if there is no visible improvement.