Remove stray dogs from public places, orders SC, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court ordered all states and UTs to immediately remove stray dogs from public places like educational institutions, hospitals, and railway stations.
• Removed dogs must be sterilized and vaccinated according to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 before being relocated to designated shelters.
• Local bodies are responsible for implementing the order and must submit compliance reports within eight weeks.
• The court also addressed the issue of stray animals on roads, directing authorities to remove them from highways.
• State governments must conduct a survey within two weeks to identify institutions for stray dog removal.
• Each institution must appoint a nodal officer for upkeep and conduct inspections every three months.
• The matter will be reviewed again on January 13, 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court's order stems from concerns about the increasing number of dog-bite incidents across the country.
• The court has specifically prohibited the release of stray dogs back into the same localities from which they were removed.
• The order was issued during the apex court’s suo motu proceedings aimed at framing a national framework for stray dog management.
• Municipal authorities are tasked with the immediate removal of stray dogs and must submit compliance reports detailing their actions.
• The National Highways Authority of India and transport authorities are directed to remove cattle and other stray animals from highways due to frequent accidents.
• Local self-government institutions must secure their premises with fencing and gates to prevent stray animals from entering.
• State governments are required to conduct surveys to identify educational institutions for stray canine removal within two weeks.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023: Guidelines for sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs to manage their population humanely.
• Suo Motu Proceedings: Actions taken by a court on its own cognizance, without a formal request from a party.
• Nodal Officer: A designated individual responsible for overseeing and coordinating specific tasks or activities within an institution.