The Supreme Court has set a hearing date in February to address petitions related to the escalating issue of stray dog attacks in Kerala and other parts of the country. Justices JK Maheshwari and Sudhanshu Dhulia presided over the bench and posted the matter for a detailed discussion next month.
During the proceedings, the bench emphasized the importance of presenting all relevant information, including issues at hand, related laws, perspectives from various High Courts, and other pertinent details. Justice Dhulia, injecting a lighter note, clarified that instances of dogs disturbing peace by barking at night wouldn’t fall within the scope of the hearing.
The primary case under consideration stems from a petition filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India, challenging a 2006 judgment by the Kerala High Court. The High Court’s ruling granted local self-government institutions the authority to euthanize stray dogs. This contentious decision prompted the Kerala government’s decision in 2015 to eliminate stray dogs due to a series of attacks on citizens.
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has intervened in the case, highlighting the increasing incidents of stray dog attacks, especially targeting children. The Commission, in its application, revealed alarming statistics, noting 5794 attacks in 2019, 3951 cases in 2020, 7927 cases in 2021, 11776 cases in 2022, and 6276 cases until June 19, 2023, in Kannur District alone.
The Commission brought attention to the tragic death of 11-year-old Nihal in Kannur, mauled by a pack of stray dogs, emphasizing the danger posed by such animals. Similar incidents have been reported, raising concerns about public safety.
In response to the escalating issue, the Supreme Court has directed parties to submit comprehensive information, and the upcoming hearing aims to find a balanced resolution that addresses public safety concerns while considering animal rights. The Kerala government, seeking solutions, had earlier sought permission for Animal Birth Control programs to manage the stray dog population and proposed euthanasia for aggressive and rabid dogs.
As the matter unfolds, the Supreme Court remains focused on finding a practical and humane solution to the complex challenges posed by the growing menace of stray dogs, recognizing the urgency of the situation for the safety of citizens, particularly children.