Supreme Court Addresses Stray Animals Issue on Highways

Supreme Court Hearing on Stray Animals

The Supreme Court has commenced hearings regarding the issue of stray dogs and cattle. A bench comprising three judges expressed serious concerns about the safety of stray animals on highways. Citing a lack of adherence to regulations by states and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the court referenced recent accidents involving judges and sought clarity on the installation of barricades and the provision of shelters for cattle.

A senior advocate warned that in a country like India, where waste and slum areas are prevalent, the removal of stray dogs could exacerbate existing problems. He argued that dogs play a crucial role in urban ecosystems, and their sudden removal could lead to unforeseen consequences.

Advocates Discuss Solutions

Advocate Kapil Sibal stated that the number of stray dogs would gradually decrease through Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Catch, Sterilize, Vaccinate, and Release (CSVR) methods. He emphasized that these processes have been successfully tested and should be allowed to function rather than being dismissed in favor of widespread removal measures. The bench requested lawyers to clarify the reasons for opposing the removal of stray dogs from institutional areas, highlighting the need for special attention to safety in places like schools and hospitals, where vulnerable populations are present.

Inclusion of Rail Ministry in Discussions

Kapil Sibal also suggested that the Ministry of Railways should be included in discussions about animal-related accidents, similar to the National Highways Authority of India. He pointed out that such incidents are occurring across various sectors. Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that the railway in Assam has already implemented an infrared tracking system to address this issue.