“We Expect People To Feed Animals Only In Shelters, Not On Roads”
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The Rajasthan High Court has directed Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur municipal bodies to launch a special drive to remove stray dogs and animals, stressing that people should feed them only in shelters or Gaushalas, not on public roads.
The Rajasthan High Court directed municipal bodies in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur to initiate a special campaign to remove stray dogs and other animals from city streets.
A Bench comprising Justices Kuldeep Mathur and Ravi Chirania stated that authorities have the discretion to take action, including filing criminal charges, against individuals who obstruct officials during this operation.
However, the Court stressed the importance of ensuring that minimal harm comes to the animals throughout this process.
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The order specified,
“We also expect from the Municipal Corporations that they will notify a telephone/mobile number/e-mail ID where citizens/residents of that area can lodged their complaints with regard to stray animals,”
It also indicated that those wishing to feed or care for the animals should do so at shelters managed by municipalities or private organizations.
The Court remarked,
“We expect from the general public that if due to their sentiments or religious believes or for love towards the animals, they want to feed them or offer food or take care of them, then they shall perform such activities at dog shelters and cattle ponds/Gaushalas maintained by the Municipalities or private individual/organization.”
Additionally, the Court instructed national and state highway authorities to conduct regular patrols to remove stray animals from roadways and to facilitate unobstructed vehicular traffic.
The Court had previously taken suo motu cognizance of the rising number of dog bite incidents and the increasing danger posed by stray animals on public roads and highways, which have resulted in multiple fatalities across the State.
During the proceedings, the State government and municipal bodies requested more time to respond to the issue.
However, the Court determined that immediate directions were necessary and thus ordered the removal of animals from the streets.
The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on September 8.
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Senior Advocate Sachin Acharya, along with Advocates Priyanka Borana and Heli Pathak, are serving as Amicus Curiae in the case.
Additional Advocate General Rajesh Panwar, accompanied by Advocate Monal Chugh, represented the State and municipalities, while Advocates BP Bohra and Vaibhav Bhansali appeared on behalf of the Central government.
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