When a lawyer cited cruelty against dogs, the bench retorted, “What about cruelty toward humans?”, underscoring its concern over public safety. The top court said most states had ignored its August 22 order mandating sterilisation, vaccination, and rehabilitation drives to control stray population
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, October27: The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on states and Union territories for failing to comply with its directions to curb the stray dog menace, summoning the Chief Secretaries of all defaulting states and UTs to appear in person on November 3. The court observed that the rising number of dog bite incidents was not only a matter of public safety but was also tarnishing the country’s image internationally.
A bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Justices Sandeep Mehta and Augustine George Masih, noted that only the Centre, West Bengal, and Telangana had submitted compliance affidavits so far. The remaining states and UTs were directed to appear before the court at 10:30 am next Monday to explain their failure to file status reports.
The bench also pulled up the Delhi government for not filing its affidavit and ordered its Chief Secretary to be present in court on the same date.
“Continuous incidents are happening, and the image of the country is being shown as poor in the eyes of foreign nations,” observed Justice Gavai, expressing frustration at the lack of action despite multiple directives.
Supreme Court Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria in the stray dogs matter, summoned the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, for not filing affidavits regarding the steps taken by them to implement the Animal… pic.twitter.com/BAFw5bjFpe
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When one of the counsels highlighted instances of cruelty against stray dogs, the bench responded sharply: “What about cruelty towards humans?” as quoted by Bar and Bench.
The court emphasized that its August 22 order had clearly outlined the measures to be implemented, including sterilisation drives, vaccination programs, and rehabilitation mechanisms for stray animals. It expressed dismay that most states had failed to act or submit compliance reports.
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“The menace of stray dogs continues across the country despite repeated directions,” the bench remarked, terming the inaction of states “unacceptable.”
The Supreme Court is monitoring the nationwide implementation of population control and safety measures aimed at reducing stray dog attacks. It has repeatedly stressed the need for strict enforcement, accountability, and humane management of stray populations to safeguard citizens while upholding animal welfare standards.
