NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday directed all states and Union Territories to immediately remove stray dogs and other animals from educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations and other public places.
A bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath said the animals should be shifted to safe shelters and must not be released back to the places from where they were caught. The court said the rising number of stray dogs in public areas poses a serious threat to public safety, especially to children, patients and the elderly.
The bench asked all states and Union Territories to implement the suggestions made by the amicus curiae on the issue. It also urged state governments and local bodies to adopt humane and systematic measures for the care, vaccination and rehabilitation of the animals.
The court clarified that the directive was not against any species but aimed at ensuring public safety and health.
