Supreme Court directs removal of stray dogs from schools, hospitals, and bus stands; Why the order matters

New Delhi: Taking cognisance of rising dog attack and bite incidents, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered all states and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure the removal of stray dogs from educational centres, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots and railway stations. The apex court added that such dogs currently on these premises should be captured, sterilised and vaccinated. They must not be released back in the same place after sterilisation, it said.

The apex court said that allowing their return would "frustrate the very purpose” of securing such premises and addressing public safety concerns.

The court also instructed all states and UTs to identify, within two weeks, government and private schools, colleges, medical institutions, public transport hubs, and sports facilities. It directed that within eight weeks, these premises be secured — preferably through boundary walls — to prevent the entry of stray dogs.

Besides, each institution must appoint a nodal officer responsible for upkeep and surveillance, while local municipal bodies and panchayats should carry out periodic inspections for at least three months and submit compliance reports to the court.

Additionally, the court asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other road-owning agencies to remove stray cattle and animals from national and state highways and make sure they are kept in shelters.

The order follows a slew of hearings in recent weeks, during which the court slammed the widespread non-compliance with its earlier directions on stray dog management under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.

On November 3, the top court said it will pass interim directions to address the issue of "grave menace" of dog bites in institutional areas, where employees feed and encourage stray dogs. This was being done despite its earlier orders requiring designated feeding zones away from spaces of public movement.

On October 31, the bench had declined requests from several states which sought exemption from the physical presence of their chief secretaries. It said that authorities had been "sleeping over” the court’s directives. On October 27, the court frowned over the fact that most state governments had not submitted compliance affidavits, despite clear directions passed on August 22.

It is against the backdrop of these directions that the court order on Friday holds significance. The order speaks volumes about the court’s growing frustration with inaction of the various departments, delays in implementing previous rulings, and directions. The Friday order issues more stringent, clearer, and time-bound directives to ensure the rulings are adhered to.

The order is also significant because it has zeroed in on educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands where vulnerable groups are pounced upon by stray dogs. These include children, patients and gullible passengers.

The Supreme Court has also directed the NHAI and other authorities responsible for maintaining roads to clear stray cattle and other animals from highways. These animals are a hazard to traffic and often cause mishaps. As the court has directed their removal and housing them in shelters, it intends to prevent road accidents, while safeguarding both motorists and animals. The measures taken can enhance highway safety.

The order also makes it very clear that the sterilised dogs should not be released back at the same place. This assumes importance as it changes the earlier practice under the Animal Birth Control Rules. The rules didn't prevent sterilised dogs being sent back to the same place.

The recent court order wants to make public places more safe and protect vulnerable people from attacks of the strays. What's most important is the fact that a stipulated time frame has been given to comply with the order and suggestions also made on how to implement it.