Supreme Court (SC) provides revised guidelines to manage the issue of stray dogs

The previous directive from SC to relocate all stray dogs to shelters permanently was sent to a bench of three judges.

Revised Instructions from the Supreme Court

Ban on Feeding Strays in Public: Feeding stray dogs in public areas and on the streets is now prohibited.

Designated Feeding Areas: To be established by local authorities in every municipal ward.

Post-Treatment Relocation: Dogs that have been sterilized, dewormed, and vaccinated need to be taken back to their initial pick-up site.

This policy does not cover dogs with rabies, suspected rabies, or those displaying aggressive behavior.

National Policy: SC has broadened the case to encompass all States and Union Territories, unifying associated High Court cases for a conclusive national strategy.

Adoption: Animal enthusiasts are allowed to submit applications to local authorities for adopting street dogs.

Problems with Abandoned Dogs

Stray Dog Count: 1.5 crore stray dogs as per the 2019 livestock census.

Public Safety Issue: Increasing assaults by hostile and infected stray dogs endanger the safety of residents.

India represents 36% of global fatalities caused by rabies.

Ninety-nine percent of human rabies cases result from dog bites and scratches.

ISRO's most powerful rocket, the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV), is set to be ready by 2035.

The Supreme Court (SC) has released revised instructions to tackle the issue of stray dogs.

Regulations concerning Stray Dogs in India

Constitution: Article 243W requires municipalities to manage the population of stray dogs.

Article 51A(g): Fundamental Duty "to show kindness towards living beings".

Animal Birth Control Regulations, 2023 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 aim to manage stray dog populations through vaccination and sterilization.

Decisions from the Court:

Jallikattu Case 2014: Viewed the right to life and liberty (Article 21) as applicable to animals.

People for the Elimination of Stray Trouble v. Animal Welfare Board of India: Halted the culling of all stray dogs involving troublemakers.