Delhi Development Minister Kapil Mishra has lauded the Supreme Court's recent order concerning the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi, attributing the progress on this critical issue to the sustained efforts of NDTV's "India's Dog Dilemma" campaign. The Supreme Court has directed authorities in Delhi and surrounding areas to remove stray dogs from residential localities and move them to designated shelters. The court has also mandated that any organization obstructing this relocation will face strict action.
Mishra welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, stating that it aligns with the Delhi government's existing plans and will facilitate easier implementation of animal welfare measures. He specifically credited NDTV's campaign for keeping the issue of stray dogs in the public consciousness, emphasizing its role in bringing the matter to the forefront.
The Supreme Court's order comes in response to the rising number of dog bite cases in Delhi, some of which have resulted in fatalities due to rabies. The court took suo motu cognizance of the matter following media reports of dog bite incidents in Delhi. According to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), approximately 65,000 dog bite cases have been reported up to July of this year. The court has deemed the situation "extremely grim," emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect the public, particularly infants and young children, from stray dog attacks and rabies.
In its directive, the Supreme Court instructed the Delhi government and civic bodies, including those in Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad, to promptly begin removing stray dogs from all localities and house them in shelters. The court has specified that these shelters must be adequately equipped with staff for sterilization and immunization, as well as CCTV surveillance to prevent dogs from escaping. The court has set a deadline for the authorities to create the necessary infrastructure and report their progress within eight weeks.
The Supreme Court has also ordered the creation of an animal helpline within one week to facilitate the immediate reporting of dog bite cases. Furthermore, the court has clarified that no individuals or organizations will be allowed to adopt stray dogs if it obstructs authorities from moving the dogs to shelters. The court emphasized that the order is in the larger public interest, overriding individual sentiments.
Kapil Mishra, responding to the Supreme Court's order, assured that the Delhi government would implement the directives in a timely manner. He stated that the verdict would pave the way to free Delhi from the fear of rabies and stray animals. Mishra also mentioned that the Delhi government's animal department, under the leadership of CM Rekha Gupta, will collaborate with all agencies to study the order and ensure its proper implementation.
The MCD has reported that it has been conducting sterilization and immunization programs for stray dogs, in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. According to MCD officials, around 65,000 dogs have been sterilized and immunized up to July 31. The ABC Rules mandate that animals be released back into the same locality after sterilization.
The Supreme Court's intervention and the Delhi government's commitment to implementing the order signal a significant step towards addressing the stray dog menace in the capital. The emphasis on public safety, combined with animal welfare measures, aims to create a more secure and humane environment for both residents and animals in Delhi.
