Are Stray Dogs a Growing Threat to Road Safety?
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Synopsis
The Rajasthan High Court has recognized the alarming rise in road safety threats from stray dogs and other animals, urging immediate action. This urgent matter highlights the need for responsible pet ownership and effective legislation to enhance public safety on roads.
Key Takeaways
- The Rajasthan High Court acknowledges the threat posed by stray dogs to road safety.
- Immediate actions have been mandated from several government bodies.
- The Rajasthan Road Safety Bill, 2022 aims to address this issue.
- Public responsibility among pet owners is emphasized to ensure safety.
- Unreported incidents may worsen the perceived situation.
Jaipur, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the escalating threat that stray dogs and other animals pose to road safety throughout the state.
In response to media reports underscoring the increase in accidents and the deteriorating conditions of road and social safety, the court deemed this issue serious and mandated immediate action from all relevant authorities.
The bench, featuring Justice Kuldeep Mathur and Justice Ravi Chirania, noted that stray dogs and cows have emerged as a substantial danger not only within urban areas but also along state and national highways.
This situation puts public lives at risk and is directly linked to a rise in significant road accidents. Notices have been dispatched to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Urban Development and Housing Department, the Director of Local Bodies, and the municipal corporations of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, among others.
The upcoming hearing is set for August 11.
Advocate Ayush Gehlot represented the state government in court.
The state conveyed to the court that the Rajasthan Road Safety Bill, 2022 has been drafted with unique provisions aimed at managing stray animals and mitigating road accidents. However, the court expressed skepticism regarding whether the bill has been enacted into law and requested clarification in the next session.
Emphasizing public responsibilities, the court remarked that pet owners must ensure proper care and vaccination for their animals.
It acknowledged that negligence by pet owners, including the abandonment of dogs, exacerbates the problem and jeopardizes public safety. Furthermore, the court recognized a societal divide—between those who keep animals and those who oppose their presence on streets due to safety issues. By taking cognizance, the court asserted that unreported cases likely worsen the situation beyond what is currently visible.
The court has appointed senior advocate Dr. Sachin Acharya along with advocates Priyanka Borana and Haley Pathak as amicus curiae to conduct an extensive study and assist the court on this matter.
Stray dogs, roaming freely on roads and sometimes resting in the middle of streets, also pose a peril to the safety of commuters.
Point of View
It is imperative to address the growing concerns surrounding road safety due to stray animals. The Rajasthan High Court's intervention reflects a crucial step towards fostering a safer environment. It emphasizes the need for collective responsibility among pet owners and authorities alike to mitigate risks and enhance public safety effectively.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions are being taken by the Rajasthan High Court regarding stray dogs?
The Rajasthan High Court has issued notices to various government agencies, urging them to address the rising threat of stray dogs on roads and implement effective measures to ensure public safety.
What is the Rajasthan Road Safety Bill, 2022?
The Rajasthan Road Safety Bill, 2022 is a legislative proposal aimed at controlling stray animals and reducing road accidents. It includes specific provisions targeting the management of stray dogs and other animals.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing regarding this matter is scheduled for August 11.
How can pet owners help improve road safety?
Pet owners can contribute to road safety by ensuring their animals are well cared for, properly vaccinated, and not left to roam freely in public spaces.
What role does the court see for pet owners in this issue?
The court emphasizes that pet owners have a responsibility to prevent their animals from becoming a hazard, noting that negligence can exacerbate public safety risks.
