Delhi, 3 November (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Monday said it will issue directions on November 7 regarding the growing menace of stray dogs in institutions, including government and public sector undertakings, where employees have been found feeding and encouraging the animals.

A three-judge special Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria made the observation while hearing the ongoing suo motu case on stray dog management.

Justice Nath said the court would issue directions specifically to tackle the “institutional menace,” adding that such feeding practices were causing growing safety concerns. When an advocate requested to be heard before any orders were passed, Justice Mehta responded that no arguments would be heard on this issue.

The Bench made the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) a party to the case and noted that chief secretaries of most states and UTs were present. It exempted Kerala’s chief secretary after noting that a principal secretary was in attendance.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that most states and UTs had now filed their compliance affidavits regarding the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The Bench listed the matter for orders on November 7 and said chief secretaries need not appear personally unless defaults occur.

Earlier, on October 27, the top court had criticised several states and UTs for failing to file compliance affidavits despite its August 22 directive, noting that incidents of stray dog attacks continued unabated.

The suo motu case, initiated on July 28, followed media reports highlighting a rise in rabies and dog-bite cases, particularly among children. The court had since expanded the matter’s scope to all states and UTs, directing uniform enforcement of the ABC Rules and comprehensive reporting of infrastructure and resources for dog control.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar