Days after the Supreme Court directed that stray dogs in Delhi–NCR be shifted to shelters within a fixed timeframe, the Rajasthan High Court has ordered municipal bodies across the state to clear stray dogs and other animals from city roads. According to NDTV, the court has set a deadline of September 8 for a status report on the action taken.
Directions Issued
Hearing a suo motu matter on August 11, the Rajasthan High Court directed civic bodies in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and other cities to carry out special drives for the removal of stray dogs, cattle and other animals from public roads. The order emphasised that the process must ensure minimal physical harm to the animals.
The court specifically mentioned sensitive areas such as the premises of AIIMS Jodhpur and district courts, directing authorities to ensure these remain free of stray animals.
It also authorised officials to take action against anyone obstructing the removal drive, including filing FIRs under relevant municipal laws.
Complaint Channels to be Set Up
To involve the public in the process, the High Court instructed municipal bodies to publicise telephone numbers and email addresses for registering complaints about stray animals.
The court further directed that those wishing to feed or care for stray animals should do so only at designated places such as shelter homes, gaushalas or facilities maintained by the municipalities or registered organisations. Feeding on public roads or in crowded areas has been discouraged.
Highway Vigilance
Authorities responsible for the upkeep of national and state highways have been told to conduct regular patrols to ensure the removal of stray animals from carriageways and prevent accidents.
Status Report by September 8
The Additional Advocate General has been tasked with submitting a progress report by September 8. This must include details of the facilities available for housing the animals, manpower strength for conducting the drives, medical arrangements, and the results achieved.
Link to Supreme Court Ruling
This directive comes shortly after the Supreme Court, in an order relating to Delhi–NCR, directed that all stray dogs in the region be moved to shelters within eight weeks. The apex court also specified that such shelters should be equipped with facilities for sterilisation, vaccination and CCTV monitoring.
The Supreme Court’s order was issued in the context of growing concerns over dog-bite incidents and accidents linked to stray animals.
Wider Context
The issue of stray animals has been a matter of public debate in recent months, with several states reporting an increase in dog-bite cases and road accidents involving cattle and dogs. The Rajasthan High Court’s order adds to a series of judicial interventions aimed at addressing the problem through a combination of relocation, regulation and reporting mechanisms.
Municipal bodies in the state are now expected to step up their removal and shelter operations over the coming weeks to meet the court’s deadline. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled after the submission of the September 8 progress report.
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