Delhi High Court asks Delhi Govt to frame policy to shift stray dogs from streets, rehabilitate them

The Delhi High Court has requested the Delhi government to take a policy decision regarding how street dogs can be shifted from public streets to institutional shelters in a phased manner and rehabilitated [Pratima Devi Vs Municipal Corporation Of Delhi & Ors]..Justice Mini Pushkarna issued the direction amid concerns about dog bite incidents. "It is directed that a policy decision be taken by the stakeholders, to ensure that provisions are made for the rehabilitation of the stray dogs at an Institutional Level, so that stray dogs are rehabilitated and phased out from the public roads and streets," the Court said. The Court has called upon the Chief Secretary of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to hold a meeting with stakeholders and take a policy decision on this matter. “The Chief Secretary, GNCTD is requested to call a meeting of all the concerned stakeholders, with a view to take a policy decision, as to how the stray dogs, who roam about in the streets and parks of the capital, are ultimately removed from the street, and rehabilitated and kept in an Institutional Shelter,” the May 21 order read..The Court has urged the GNCTD, MCD and AWBI to make a concerted effort to consider the formulation of such a policy.“It would incumbent upon the concerned authorities to consider formulation of a policy for rehabilitation of stray dogs, and the same being a policy decision, would have to be taken with the coordinated efforts of the Delhi Government, the MCD as well as the AWBI,” the Court stated..Earlier, the Court had directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and a representative of the petitioner to hold a joint meeting on this issue. The Court was informed that a joint decision arrived at was that after the dogs are sterilized and vaccinated, they would be let off on the streets again. The Court observed that letting off these dogs on the streets after their vaccination and sterilization is not a solution, as there are a large number of dogs and several instances of dog bites.The Court had earlier also observed there are over 200 stray dogs staying in a makeshift shelter. Letting loose so many dogs could create a very serious situation for both residents and dogs, the Court noted. “If the said dogs are to be left in the vicinity or in the open, it may create a very serious situation, as over 200 stray dogs cannot be allowed to be let loose in the streets. Furthermore, the said solution would not be prudent in relation to the dogs as well, as the same would cause efflux of the stray dogs in one vicinity, thereby, creating hardships for the residents, and burden upon the dogs themselves,” the Court said. .Noting the sensitivity of the issue, the Court proceeded to refer the matter to the Chief Secretary of GNCTD for detailed consideration. “Considering the sensitivity of the case and the magnanimity of the problem which the general public faces on account of incidents in relation to the stray dogs, the matter is referred to the Chief Secretary, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (“GNCTD”),” it said. .Advocate Malavika Chandramouli appeared for the petitioner.Advocate Deepin Deepak Sahni appeared for AWBI.Standing Counsel Siddhant Nath, with Advocates Bhavishya Makhija and Amaan Khan appeared for the MCD.[Read order]