New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Supreme Court on Monday said it would soon release an order setting out clear rules for feeding stray dogs inside government complexes and public offices. The direction came as part of the ongoing proceedings on the management of stray animals and the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria said that the order would be uploaded in the next few days. “We will issue directions regarding government institutions where employees are supporting and feeding dogs within the premises,” Justice Nath observed.
The court’s remark came after Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy, representing an intervenor, requested a hearing before such directions were finalized. The Bench, however, refused, saying that no further submissions would be entertained on that particular point. “As far as government institutions are concerned, we will not hear further,” Justice Nath stated.
States Cautioned Over Delay in Filing Affidavits
The Bench also addressed the presence of Chief Secretaries from various States and Union Territories, who had been summoned for failing to submit affidavits confirming steps taken to comply with the ABC Rules. The court noted that the pending affidavits had now been filed and excused the officials from appearing in person at the next hearing — but not without a stern warning.
“The personal appearance of Chief Secretaries is dispensed with for now. However, if there is any future lapse, we will not hesitate to summon them again,” the Bench warned.
The judges expressed disapproval over the repeated non-compliance by several states, noting that despite earlier notices and wide media coverage, some administrations had failed to act promptly.
Animal Welfare Board Made a Respondent
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also impleaded the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) as a respondent in the case, emphasizing the Board’s role in overseeing the welfare and control of stray dog populations across the country.
Additionally, the court allowed dog-bite victims to intervene in the case without being required to pay any deposit fee. Earlier, under an order dated August 22, the court had directed that individuals advocating for stray dog welfare deposit ₹25,000, and NGOs, ₹2 lakh, to be permitted to participate in the proceedings.
Amicus Curiae to Continue
The Bench confirmed that Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal will continue to serve as amicus curiae in the matter, assisting the court in monitoring and implementing its directions related to stray animal control.
The case stems from the Supreme Court’s October 27 order, in which it had summoned Chief Secretaries from all States and Union Territories — except West Bengal and Telangana — for failing to file compliance reports. At that time, only these two states and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi had submitted their affidavits.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had later requested that the Chief Secretaries be permitted to attend the hearing virtually, but the Bench declined, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of seriousness shown by several governments.
Broader Context
The case reflects the judiciary’s growing concern over the rising number of stray dog incidents across the country and the inconsistent enforcement of sterilization and vaccination programs under the ABC Rules.
The court’s upcoming order on the feeding of stray dogs within government buildings is expected to set new standards for regulating such practices, balancing compassion toward animals with safety and hygiene concerns in public spaces.
