Supreme Court summons Chief Secretaries of States in stray dogs matter
Bench warns of penalties for non-compliance, seeks updates on Animal Birth Control Rules
The Supreme Court has directed the Chief Secretaries of all States, except West Bengal, Delhi, and Telangana, to appear in person on November 3 for failing to submit compliance affidavits in the suo motu case addressing the issue of stray dogs. The bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria warned that penalties or coercive measures would be imposed if officers failed to comply.
Previously, the Court had instructed States to report on their implementation of Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, but noted that only three States had filed the required affidavits. The Bench criticized the continued inaction, highlighted ongoing incidents related to stray dogs, and remarked on the negative impact on India’s global image.
The hearing also addressed public interventions, with the Court suggesting that only reasonable and constructive input would be considered, instead of allowing an influx of parties to intervene.
Earlier orders in August mandated municipal authorities in Delhi to round up stray dogs, establish shelters, and implement sterilisation and vaccination measures, but were subsequently modified to allow release of dewormed and vaccinated dogs. The case has since expanded to cover the issue nationwide, with related High Court cases transferred to the Supreme Court.