Supreme Court Asks Animal Welfare Board To Get Approval For Rules On Birth Control Of Feral & Free-Ranging Dogs In Wildlife Areas

The Supreme Court today (November 28) directed the Union of India to get approval "quickly" from the concerned Ministry of the Government of India in regard to the rules concerning birth control of feral, free-ranging and domestic dogs attacking or hunting wildlife in protected areas and forests which is arrived in consonance with the present petitioner and the Animal Welfare Board of India.

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanuallah in its order stated that "it is hoped that a decision on this will be taken within 4 weeks."

In this case, the petitioner prayed for a writ of mandamus or appropriate directions for the management of feral, free-ranging, and domestic dogs in wildlife and protected areas, including identification of such feral, free-ranging, and domestic dogs attacking or hunting wildlife in protected areas and forests. 

It was the case of the petitioner before the Court that although the Animal Welfare Board of India has framed guidelines regarding stray dogs there are no guidelines pertaining to free-ranging dogs. They have become a danger to many other species such as the Great Indian Bustard.

By an order dated February 19, the Court directed the petitioner to first make its representation before the Animal Welfare Board of India. Simultaneously, a direction was also passed for the Animal Welfare Board of India to go through the representation of the petitioner. 

The Counsel representing the Animal Welfare Board of India, Senior Advocate Manisha Karia, today apprised the Court that as per the last order, the matter was sent to the Animal Welfare Board of India which has now arrived at a common "solution" in consonance with the petitioner and the Union of India represented by Attorney General R. Venkataramani. She added that the said proposal pertains to the birth control of feral and free-ranging dogs and needs to be approved by the concerned Ministry of the Government of India.

She further informed the Court that the rules are already in existence. It was further added that the dogs in question are only found in three to four States near forest areas. To this, Justice Dhulia remarked: "They are found everywhere." 

Justice Amanullah added: "They are like wild dogs in packs."

Case Details: BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Vs UNION OF INDIA., W.P.(C) No. 97/2024

Appearances: Senior Advocate Manisha Karia (for the Animal Welfare Board of India)