Stray Dog Menace: Telangana HC Directs GHMC To File Affidavit Showing Compliance With Animal Birth Control Rules
The Telangana High Court has directed Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to file an affidavit in compliance with the provisions of the Animal Birth Control Rules to address the menace of stray dogs mauling the residents of Hyderabad.
The Suo motu PIL was registered on the basis of a news item published in a newspaper on the menace of stray dogs “mauling the young children, old women and subjecting the residents of Hyderabad to bites.” Addressing the issue, the Court issued directives for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) for the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J Sreenivas Rao observed, “We direct the competent authority of GHMC to file an affidavit stating compliance with the provisions of the Rules 10, 11, 15 and 16 of the ABC Rules. In addition, the GHMC shall also apprise this Court with regard to the feasibility of setting up rehabilitation centres for dogs outside the municipal limits of Hyderabad.”
Advocate S. Roja Ramani appeared for the petitioner, while AG A. Sudarshan Reddy represented the respondents.
During the proceedings, the Court noted the establishment of the State Animal Birth Control Implementation and Monitoring Committee (Committee) by the State Government to effectively implement the ABC program aimed at controlling the population of street animals, eradicating rabies, and man-animal conflict throughout the State.
The Committee was tasked with exploring the possibility of setting up dedicated helpline numbers to assist citizens affected by the attack of wild/stray dogs and to consult with various animal welfare organizations for measures to stop such instances.
The GHMC, in compliance with the Court's earlier orders, submitted a report outlining various steps taken to address the issue including:
- Crèche Facilities: The GHMC has directed the establishment of crèche facilities in every establishment with fifty or more employees, in accordance with the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.
- Services Of Master Trainers: Utilizing master trainers from the Humane Society International, the GHMC initiated training for its Urban Community Development Wing, Sanitation Wing, and Veterinary Wing staff on measures to avoid dog bites and handle dogs safely.
- Pet Dog Registration for Anti-Rabies Vaccinations: Instructions were issued to ensure that all pet dog owners in GHMC jurisdiction register their pets and keep up with anti-rabies vaccinations.
- Awareness Programmes: awareness programmes were conducted among Resident Welfare Associations, school children, and various community groups to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and dog behaviour.
- Online Registration for Dog Feeders: An online link has been created to register dog feeders, ensuring that all street dogs are sterilized and vaccinated timely.
Consequently, the Court directed, “In addition to exploring the possibility of establishing rehabilitation centres outside the limits of Hyderabad, the GHMC shall apprise this Court with regard to the status of implementation of its statutory obligations under the ABC Rules and shall also apprise this Court with regard to the further updates/status with regard to the action which is proposed to be taken.”
Accordingly, the High Court listed the matter for further hearing on September 2nd, 2024.
Cause Title: M.E. Vikramaditya v. The State of Telangana & Ors.
Appearance:
Petitioner: Advocate S.Roja Ramani
Respondents: AG A. Sudarshan Reddy; Dy. SG Gadi Praveen Kumar; Advocate C.H. Jaya Krishna; SC K. Ravinder Reddy