Remove Stray Dogs From Nearby Areas Of Judicial Complex, Rehabilitate Them Outskirts Of City: Punjab & Haryana High Court To DC, Ambala

Observing that inviting e-tender for sterilisation and vaccination of the stray dogs is not an "effective" action , the Punjab & Haryana High has directed the DC of Ambala to relocate the stray dogs from the nearby areas of Judicial Complex where Officers are facing "eminent danger" and unable to step out for morning walks.

Justice Arvind Singh Sangwan said, "the aforesaid action (inviting e-tenders for sterilisation) is not an effective and immediate relief to the Judicial Officers, who are facing the eminent danger of the stray dogs as they are even unable to go for morning or evening walk, therefore, the Deputy Commissioner, Ambala is directed to immediately look into the matter and remove the stray dogs from the nearby areas of the Judicial Complex, where the residences of the Judicial Officers are situated and rehabilitate the stray dogs at the outskirts of the city, which is less populated area."

While noting that Chandigarh has framed the bye-laws and it has been put to the House for approval and in this regard and as per local newspaper reports "six breeds, i.e. American Bull Dog, American Pitbull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler, and all of their cross breeds will not be permitted to be kept in residential area in any manner", the Court said the counsel appearing for Municipality assured that, "a fresh affidavit will be filed."

These observation were made while hearing the contempt plea, the Court preponed the petitions on receiving a complaint from the Additional District & Sessions Judge, Ambala, wherein a request was made to take action against the stray dogs menace existing outside the judicial complex which houses the residences of Judicial Officers at Ambala.

An  Additional District and Sessions Judge, Ambala Phalit Sharma had complained that nearby his residence adjoining Sessions House and other Judicial Officers's residence he managed to save himself from stray dogs who had attacked twice. He further added that Court staffs and general public riding on two wheeler vehicles have also faced "horrifying experience."

The Court noted affidavits were sought from respective Municipal Committees in the State of Haryana and Punjab on contempt plea filed against local authorities to follow the directions passed by the High Court concerning checking stray dog menace and Apex Court's directions in Animal Welfare Board of India v. People for Eliminations of Stray Troubles and Ors. 2016. 

Considering the submissions the Court directed the DC, Ambala to file a compliance report before the next date.

While listing the matter for October 31, the Court also directed that, "A copy of this order be sent to Deputy Commissioner, Mohali, Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula as well to file affidavit of action taken in line of action taken by U.T., Chandigarh."

Case Title: Rav Pratap v. Anurag Aggarwal

Click here to download/ read the order