Paper: GS – II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Judiciary, Issue: Supreme Court Orders Removal of Stray Dogs.
Context:
The Supreme Court ordered stray dogs to be removed from key public areas in line with the ABC Rules, 2023, which require humane sterilisation and vaccination.
Key Takeaways:
What the Supreme Court Ordered:
- Stray dogs must be removed from specified public premises – schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, and sports complexes.
- They should be shifted to designated shelters.
- Removal must follow mandatory sterilisation and vaccination protocols laid down in the ABC Rules, 2023.
- The order aims to ensure public safety, especially in high-footfall areas, while ensuring humane treatment of animals.
What Are the ABC Rules, 2023?
- The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, notified under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, regulate stray dog population control through sterilisation and immunization, not culling.
- ABC Rules mandate local bodies to establish dog sterilisation centres, maintain proper facilities, and carry out humane capture, neutering, vaccination, and release of dogs.

Implications of the Supreme Court’s Order and the ABC Rules:
The Supreme Court’s order, coupled with the ABC Rules, has several significant implications:
- Enhanced Public Safety: Removing stray dogs from sensitive public areas like schools and hospitals aims to reduce the risk of dog bites and potential disease transmission.
- Humane Animal Management: The emphasis on sterilization and vaccination ensures a more humane approach to managing stray dog populations compared to culling or relocation without proper care.
- Community Involvement: The ABC Rules encourage community participation in the care and welfare of community animals, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
- Legal Framework: The Rules provide a legal framework for addressing issues related to stray dogs, ensuring consistency and accountability in their management.
- Resource Allocation: Effective implementation of the ABC Rules requires adequate resources for sterilization programs, vaccination campaigns, shelter maintenance, and community awareness initiatives.
By prioritizing sterilization, vaccination, and community involvement, these measures aim to balance public safety with the welfare of community animals. Successful implementation requires collaboration between government agencies, animal welfare organizations, and the community at large.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/sc-stray-dogs-10351588/#
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