News Desk – The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will soon issue guidelines on feeding stray dogs inside government offices and buildings. The order will be uploaded in the next few days.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria said that some employees in government offices encourage feeding dogs on the premises, which sometimes leads to issues. The Court said it will pass directions without holding further hearings on this point.
Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy requested the Court to hear her side before issuing any direction, but the judges declined. The Court said they will review concerns related to feeding zones designated by the Delhi civic bodies during the next hearing.
The Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories were present in Court after they were earlier summoned for not filing compliance reports on implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which mandate sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs.
Most States have now filed their affidavits, so the Supreme Court has allowed them not to appear personally next time. However, the Court warned that any future failure to submit reports will lead to personal appearance again.
New Additions in the Case
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has been added as a party in the case.
Victims of dog bites were allowed to join the case without depositing money.
Dog lovers and NGOs who wish to join must still deposit:
₹25,000 (individuals)
₹2 lakh (NGOs)
Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal will continue as amicus curiae (advisor to the Court).
Earlier, on October 27, the Supreme Court summoned Chief Secretaries of States/UTs (except West Bengal and Telangana) after they failed to submit reports on the ABC Rules. The Court criticised the lack of response, saying that the matter concerns public safety and animal welfare.
