SC flags feeding of stray dogs within govt. office premises, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court addressed government employees feeding stray dogs on office premises, citing violations of prior directives on designated feeding zones.
• An order is scheduled for November 7 regarding government institutions and public sector undertakings.
• The court is undertaking suo motu proceedings to develop a national policy on stray dog management and enforce the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
• Most States and Union Territories' Chief Secretaries appeared in court due to non-compliance with directives, excluding West Bengal, Telangana, and Kerala.
• The court plans to issue directions to reduce dog-bite incidents and has impleaded the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) as a party.

Detailed Insights:

• The court's August 22 order mandated municipal bodies to establish designated feeding zones in each ward to regulate stray dog feeding and prevent public inconvenience.
• The directives were issued following a series of incidents caused by unregulated feeding, which created difficulties for the public.
• The court will examine irregularities in the demarcation of feeding zones by local authorities in Delhi.
• The ABC Rules, 2023, are framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
• The court acknowledged the suggestion to allow dog-bite victims to participate in the proceedings, recognizing the involvement of private individuals and organizations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Suo Motu: An action taken by a court on its own without any request from the parties involved.
• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023: Guidelines for managing stray dog populations through sterilization and vaccination.
• Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): A statutory advisory body advising the Government of India on animal welfare laws and promoting animal welfare.