Don’t shy away from stray dogs, but don’t let space expand: SC

NEW DELHI: On pleas, including the one on culling of stray dogs, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will not shy away from taking up issues related to orders passed by various civic bodies regarding undomesticated dogs, especially in Kerala and Mumbai, but will limit the scope of the measure. topic under consideration should be expanded.

The apex court is considering a batch of petitions, including those relating to the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 and the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994.

While one of the pleas has raised the issue of culling stray dogs in Kerala, some other petitions relate to the Bombay High Court’s 2022 observation on those interested in their protection and welfare, including feeding them , placing them in dog shelters and bearing the costs. for their maintenance.

The court noted that the parties before it must go through the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 as many of the issues raised before the case can be resolved by a simple perusal.

“Let’s also clarify one thing. We will not shy away from taking up the issue, but we will not allow the scope to be expanded,” said Justices JK Maheshwari and Sanjay Karol.