Delhi HC issues directions on feeding, managing stray dogs

Source: The Hindu

What is the News?

Delhi High Court in a recent judgment issued directions on feeding and managing stray dogs.

What was the case?

• A petition was filed in the Delhi High Court asking the court to restrain the neighbor from feeding community dogs near the entrance or exit of his property.

What did the Delhi High Court say? The Delhi High Court has issued directions on feeding and managing stray dogs. These directions include:

• Firstly, Stray or street dogs have the right to food and citizens have the right to feed them. But in exercising this right, care and caution should be taken to ensure that it does not impinge upon the rights of others.
• Secondly, every Resident Welfare Association(RWA) should form “Guard and Dog partnerships” in consultation with the Delhi Police Dog Squad. So that dogs can be trained and yet be friendly to residents of a colony.
• Thirdly, the order places the onus on vaccinating and sterilizing the animals on the municipal corporation, the resident welfare association, and local dog groups. The order adds that sterilization of such animals is a must to check over-population.
• Lastly, the local police and resident welfare associations should get involved in maintaining peace in the area between dog-lovers and other residents.

Protection of Stray Dogs:

• Stray dogs are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and Rules enacted under Section 38 of the Act, particularly the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001. That makes it illegal for an individual, RWA, or estate management to remove or relocate dogs.
• A 2006 Office Memorandum of the Central government also carried specific rules against government servants who indulge in acts of cruelty to animals. The rules make the government servant liable for action under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Terms to Know: 

• Resident Welfare Association (RWA), 
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960