Delhi High Court Directs Govt To Frame Policy For Stray Dog Rehabilitation
Petitioner housed 200 stray dogs.
Justice Mini Pushkarna
The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the Delhi Government and other relevant authorities to deliberate on formulating a comprehensive policy for the rehabilitation of stray dogs in the national capital.
The directive came while the Court was hearing a petition an 80-year-old woman affectionately known as “Dog Amma.” She has been caring for a large number of stray dogs, many of which were being sheltered in makeshift arrangements. In March, the Court noted that over 200 stray dogs were residing in her temporary shelter. The Court expressed concern that releasing such a large number of dogs back into public areas would pose a serious risk to public safety.
A Bench of Justice Mini Pushkarna has referred the matter to the Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government for appropriate consideration.
The Court directed, “Accordingly, it is directed that a policy decision be taken by the stakeholders, to ensure that provisions are made for the rehabilitation of the stray dogs at an Institutional Level, so that stray dogs are rehabilitated and phased out from the public roads and streets.”
The Court cited numerous reports and petitions highlighting the increasing incidents of dog bites involving stray dogs in Delhi. These incidents are frequently covered in the media and have also formed the basis of several legal pleas before the judiciary.
Taking cognizance of the recurring issue, the Court remarked, “Accordingly, this Court is of the view that in reference to the discussion hereinabove, and considering the facts that have arisen in the present case, it would incumbent upon the concerned authorities to consider formulation of a policy for rehabilitation of stray dogs, and the same being a policy decision, would have to be taken with the coordinated efforts of the Delhi Government, the MCD as well as the AWBI.”
The Court stressed that this policy must not only address the removal of stray dogs from public areas but also ensure their humane treatment and proper rehabilitation in structured shelters. Such a move, it observed, is necessary both for the safety of the general public and the welfare of the animals.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 6, by which time the concerned authorities are expected to initiate policy-level discussions and present a possible framework for implementation.
Cause Title: Pratima Devi v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi & Ors.
Appearance:
Petitioner: Advocate Malavika Chandramouli
Respondents: Advocates Siddhant Nath, Bhavishya Makhija, Amaan Khan, Deepin Deepak Sahni
