New Delhi, Nov 7: Expressing concern over the rising number of dog bite incidents in institutional areas, the Supreme Court on Friday directed that stray canines found within the premises of schools, colleges, hospitals and similar establishments be moved to designated shelters.
A special three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N. V. Anjaria observed that there has been an “alarming rise” in dog bite cases in such public spaces. The court issued a series of directions, asking authorities to ensure that stray animals, including cattle, are removed from highways and expressways and relocated to safe shelters.
The bench instructed that no stray dogs picked up from educational or medical institutions be released back in the same areas and directed officials to take preventive measures to stop their entry into such premises.
Further, the Supreme Court asked authorities, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to conduct a joint survey to identify highway stretches where stray animals are commonly seen. The case will be heard again on January 13.
The top court had earlier noted on November 3 that it would issue interim directions to curb the “grave menace” of dog bites in institutional areas, especially where employees and locals feed stray dogs.
The ongoing suo motu case was initiated by the court on July 28, following reports highlighting incidents of dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children in the national capital. The matter has since been expanded to include all states and Union territories. (Agencies)
