The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Animal Welfare Board of India, under the control of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying), to give practical suggestions to the State of Himachal Pradesh regarding control of the Monkey menace and also the stray dogs menace.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel issued this order observing the long time duration of these cases persisting and causing hardships to the citizens of the State.

The Advocate General Anup Rattan assured the Court that the State and Municipal Corporation, Shimla shall consult with the Agriculture University, Palampur, which has a veterinary Branch and inputs for controlling the monkey menace and the stray dogs menace.

In June, 2023 a notice was issued suo motu by the Court to the Board inviting suggestions to deal with monkey menace in the city of Shimla and its surroundings. Advocate General was also advised to consult other bodies where there had been successful eradication of monkey menace (or bodies having scientific expertise in such matters.)

Initially, a petition was filed which revealed that the Municipal Corporation received numbers of complaints, relating to sick/injured and biting street dogs on account of which it took extensive steps for sterilizing the stray dogs.

Cause Title: Court on its own motion v. State of H.P & Ors.

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