SC cites citizen's right to move freely, allows euthanasia of 'rabid, dangerous' stray dogs, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court allowed euthanasia of stray dogs that are rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous, aligning with existing laws.
• The ruling emphasizes citizens' right to move freely in public spaces without fear of dog bites, as protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The court dismissed challenges to its November 2025 directives on managing stray dogs, stressing the need for effective implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) measures.
• The court directed every district to establish at least one fully functional ABC centre.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the stray dog issue in July 2023 after a report of a fatal dog bite incident in New Delhi.
• Initial directives in August 2023 ordered the removal of stray dogs to shelters, but faced opposition for contradicting ABC Rules, which mandate sterilization, vaccination, and release back to their original locations.
• The court softened its stance, restoring the sterilization and release policy, while allowing authorities to keep rabid or aggressive dogs in shelters and barring public feeding outside designated zones.
• The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, prioritize sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination for managing stray dog populations, permitting euthanasia only in cases of rabid, terminally ill, or fatally injured animals.
• The court highlighted that poor implementation of the ABC framework has led to alarming increases in stray dog populations and attacks, necessitating proactive measures by state authorities.
• The Supreme Court directed all High Courts to register suo motu proceedings to monitor the implementation of its directions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Article 21: Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, interpreted here to include the right to move freely without fear.
• Euthanasia: The act of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering, permitted in specific cases for stray dogs under strict guidelines.
• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules: Guidelines under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, focused on sterilization and vaccination to manage stray dog populations humanely.