New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue concerning the removal of stray dogs from schools, colleges and public places in view of the Supreme Court’s directions on the matter.

A bench headed by Justice Dinesh Mehta issued notices to the Central government, Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in the case. The next hearing in the matter will be held on August 3.

Through the notices, the High Court sought details on the steps taken by the authorities for the management of stray dogs, including measures related to their birth control and vaccination.

In its order regarding stray dogs, the Supreme Court had directed that stray dogs in Delhi should be released from shelters only after they are vaccinated and sterilised. A bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath had modified its earlier order by lifting the ban on the release of stray dogs from shelters with these conditions.

The Supreme Court had clarified that aggressive dogs and those infected with rabies should not be released from shelters. The court also stated that stray dogs should not be fed on roads and that designated feeding areas should be identified by municipal authorities.

The Delhi High Court has now taken suo motu cognisance to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions on the issue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar