New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Monday ruled that citizens have a fundamental right to live without fear or danger from stray dogs, observing that such protection falls within the constitutional right to live with dignity.
A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice N. V. Anjaria dismissed all petitions seeking modification or withdrawal of earlier court directions related to relocation and sterilisation of stray dogs.
The apex court also rejected petitions challenging the validity of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
The court directed all states, Union Territories and constitutional authorities to urgently strengthen infrastructure and mechanisms for dealing with the stray dog problem.
The bench observed that states and UTs had failed to make sustained, organised and meaningful efforts to control the growing stray dog population across the country.
According to the court, implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) framework has remained fragmented, poorly funded and inconsistent.
The Supreme Court also expressed strong displeasure over the alleged non-compliance of court directions by states including Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
