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‘Those found feeding strays…’: SC makes changes to stray dogs order, with a warning
Those found feeding stray dogs on streets shall be liable to be proceeded with under relevant legal framework, said the Supreme Court on Friday.
The Supreme Court on Friday said strays will be released after sterlisation and immunisation, retreating from its earlier directive that asked authorities to put the stray dogs of Delhi-NCR in shelter homes. The softening of the earlier blanket order comes amid backlash from dog lovers.
The Supreme Court said all dogs, except those suffering from rabies or displaying aggressive behaviour, will be released after shots.
The Supreme Court, however, said no to feeding of stray dogs on streets.
Those found feeding stray dogs on streets shall be liable to be proceeded with under relevant legal framework, said the Supreme Court. Follow Supreme Court stray dogs order news updates
On August 11, the Supreme Court had ordered the relocation of all stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR within eight weeks, directing authorities to create shelters to house them.
The Supreme Court was hearing a suo motu case over dog bites in the national capital. The order sparked outrage among animal lovers and welfare organisations, following which it was shifted to a new three-judge bench the next day.
The Supreme Court on Friday directed municipal authorities to create feeding areas, adding that there will be no feeding on streets. Notice boards shall be placed near designated feeding areas mentioning that stray dogs shall only be fed in such areas, the Supreme Court said.
All states and UTs have been issued notices to appear in the matter and give suggestions for framing a national policy.
The new bench, led by Justice Vikram Nath, took up the matter on August 14 and reserved its order on the interim prayer seeking a stay on the August 11 directions.
The top court said each individual dog lover and each NGO that has approached the top court shall deposit ₹25,000 and ₹two lakh, respectively, with the registry within seven days, failing which they shall not be allowed to appear in the matter any further.
“The amount so deposited shall be utilised in the creation of the infrastructure and facilities for the stray dogs under the aegis of the respective municipal bodies,” a PTI news agency report quoted the bench.
