“Cannot Be Left Entirely To NGOs”: J&K High Court Orders Authorities To Implement Stray Dog Control Measures

“The issue relating to stray dogs is certainly a complicated one, which would require very coordinated action from various agencies and authorities including NGOs working in the field and cannot be dealt with in a simple manner”, a bench comprising Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal observed.

The bench made these observations in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which had sought intervention from the High Court regarding the rising number of stray dog attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The petitioners had highlighted the shortcomings of existing measures and urged the court to implement stricter Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs and sterilization drives.

During the course of the hearing the bench acknowledged the efforts undertaken by a State Level Implementation and Monitoring Committee constituted to address stray dog concerns. The Committee's decisions, including enforcing ABC program guidelines, establishing local ABC monitoring committees, and collaborating with NGOs, were also taken note of by the Court.

However, the Court expressed concerns that these measures might not be enough and emphasized that J&K authorities must actively participate in the implementation process, not solely rely on NGOs.

“Though, it appears that both the JMC and SMC have engaged the services of NGOs, but it appears that it would require sustained participation of the authorities rather than leaving the issue entirely in the hands of the NGOs. Inasmuch as, from the decision taken by the Committee, it appears that it cannot be left entirely to the NGOs concerned to deal with the issue arising out of stray dogs”, the bench remarked.

In light of this, the Court directed the authorities to submit a report detailing the effectiveness of the Committee's decisions.

Furthermore, the court also highlighted the potential benefits of constituting Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) within the Urban Development Department, in line with the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 as these SPVs could significantly enhance the management of stray dogs.

Additionally, the court sought suggestions on the matter from two Law students Ms. Bisma Muzaffer, Ms. Fiza Asad and Ms. Aleena Syed who were present in the court, representing the Centre for Public Interest Litigation and Legal Aid so as to incorporate them into future directives.

Case Title: Court on its own Motion Vs Union Territory of Ladakh

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