How is the Supreme Court Addressing the Stray Dog Issue?
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Synopsis
In a decisive move, the Supreme Court has mandated that leftover food be disposed of in covered bins to combat the increasing stray dog population within its premises. This directive aims to enhance public safety and hygiene, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the growing concern over stray dogs in urban areas.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court mandates food disposal in covered bins.
- Focus on public safety and hygiene.
- Previously issued circulars reinforce these measures.
- Civic bodies are directed to capture and relocate stray dogs.
- Compliance with the directive is crucial to avoid legal repercussions.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Supreme Court, acknowledging the increasing presence of stray dogs within its jurisdiction, has issued a new directive requiring that all surplus food be disposed of only in covered trash bins.
“Food must never be thrown in open areas or uncovered containers. This action is vital to discourage animals from being drawn to food sources, thus greatly lowering the chances of bites and upholding hygiene standards,” stated a circular released by the Administrative General Branch.
The notice pointed out a “notable rise” in incidents of stray dogs wandering through the Supreme Court’s hallways and even inside elevators.
This latest mandate also references a previous circular from September of last year, which came after a collaborative meeting involving Supreme Court officials and representatives from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
That earlier directive reiterated the same fundamental rule that leftover food should not be thrown in open spaces or uncovered receptacles.
Just the day prior, a panel of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan urged civic authorities across Delhi-NCR to promptly capture all stray dogs and transfer them to shelters, expressing serious concerns regarding public safety and the growing threat of rabies.
The panel led by Justice Pardiwala described the scenario as “dire” and stressed the need for immediate measures to protect children, women, and the elderly on the streets.
Instructing the MCD, NDMC, and civic bodies in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to completely cleanse the streets of stray dogs, the Supreme Court issued a firm warning that any entity impeding their removal would face stringent legal repercussions.
The Supreme Court mandated these civic bodies to commence the collection of all stray dogs within their areas and transport them to designated shelters. If such facilities are not already available, authorities have been directed to create them promptly and present a report on the infrastructure to the Supreme Court within eight weeks.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the balance between animal welfare and public safety. The Supreme Court's directive is a necessary step towards ensuring that urban environments are safe for all citizens while also addressing the concerns related to stray animals. The ongoing dialogue between civic bodies and the judiciary reflects a commitment to finding effective solutions.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions are being taken to address stray dogs?
The Supreme Court has ordered civic authorities to capture and relocate stray dogs to shelters, emphasizing the need for public safety.
Why is there a focus on covered bins for food disposal?
Covered bins help prevent stray animals from scavenging for food, which reduces the risk of bites and maintains hygiene.
How will the Supreme Court ensure compliance?
The Court has warned that any organization obstructing the removal of stray dogs will face strict legal action.
What is the timeline for implementing the new directive?
Civic authorities are required to submit a report on shelter infrastructure to the Supreme Court within eight weeks.
What was the previous directive regarding stray dogs?
An earlier circular issued last September reiterated the importance of not discarding leftover food in open areas.
