The Supreme Court on Friday gave its verdict on the release of stray dogs, after reserving the August 11 order that sparked outrage. It modified the judgment that barred the release of stray dogs after being picked up by civic bodies.
Modifying the order, the apex court bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria ruled to release the dogs after sterilisation and immunisation, only sparing the ones infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behavior.
The special SC bench had reserved its order earlier on August 14. Now, the scope of the matter has been broadened to the national level by issuing notices to all States and Union territories, as well as the Animal Husbandry department.
On August 11, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court directed the authorities in the Delhi-NCR region (adjoining districts including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad) to immediately pick up stray dogs from the localities and relocate them to shelter homes.
With the new order, the earlier judgment has been modified, stating the release of the dogs after sterilisation and vaccination.
The bench said that animal lovers can adopt stray dogs after applying to civic bodies, with a legal route open.
What does the Supreme Court order say?In its order, the Supreme Court said that the municipal corporation will establish feeding areas, while there will be no feeding on streets. Notice boards will be placed in the feeding areas, and dogs should be fed there only.
Anyone found feeding strays on the road will be liable for punishment facing legal framework.
The ambit of the Supreme Court's proceedings is expanded by notices issued to the secretaries of Animal Husbandry departments in all States and Union territories. It also sought their response on the framing of the national policy to deal with the issue.
Anyone found obstructing public servants in their job of handling stray dogs will face consequences, with NGOs and animal lovers charged with a fine of Rs 25,000.