Highlights of SC order in stray-dogs case

The Supreme Court has allowed euthanasia for rabid, incurably-ill, or aggressive dogs in areas with high stray dog populations posing a threat to public safety.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed euthanasia for rabid, incurably-ill, dangerous and aggressive dogs to curb the threat from them to human lives, while upholding the relocation of stray dogs from institutional areas to designated shelters after sterilisation and vaccination.

Following are the highlights of the apex court's order:.

* In areas where the population of stray dogs has assumed alarming proportions and where incidents of dog bites or aggressive attacks have become frequent and pose a continuing threat to public safety, the authorities can take legally-permissible measures like euthanasia in cases involving rabid, incurably-ill or demonstrably-dangerous or aggressive dogs.

* The court dismisses all petitions and applications seeking a recall or modification of its order on relocation and sterilisation of stray dogs from institutional areas.

* The court dismisses pleas challenging the validity of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the Animal Welfare Board of India.

* The court directs all states and Union territories to forthwith take decisive, coordinated and time-bound steps for enhancing and augmenting the infrastructure necessary for the effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control framework.

* The court asks the states to expand their sterilisation and vaccination capacity, strengthen existing facilities, and create additional institutional mechanisms commensurate with the scale and urgency of the issue.

* The court asks the states to ensure the establishment of at least one fully-functional animal birth control centre in each district, duly equipped with the requisite veterinary infrastructure, trained personnel, surgical facilities and supporting logistics.

* The court says the departments and authorities concerned of the states shall take all necessary measures to implement its directions and ensure that the same are carried out in letter as well as in spirit, without any delay or dilution.

* The court directs compliance with the SOPs issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India in this regard.

* The court asks the departments and authorities concerned of the states as well as the Centre (in respect of public areas and spaces falling within their jurisdiction) to take an informed and reasoned decision regarding the extension of its directions to other public spaces characterised by high footfall and public utility.

* The court says all states shall undertake comprehensive capacity-building measures, including training personnel, augmenting veterinary services, strengthening vaccination drives and creating adequate shelter facilities, in coordination with the relevant departments and agencies.

* The court directs the states to also ensure adequate availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in all government medical facilities and put in place effective public health response mechanisms to deal with cases of dog bites.

* The court says the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) shall, in coordination with the states concerned, formulate and implement a comprehensive and time-bound mechanism for addressing the presence of stray cattle and other animals on national highways and expressways, including the deployment of specialised transport vehicles for the safe handling and relocation of stray cattle and other animals.

* The court says civic and administrative officials who are entrusted with the implementation of its directions shall be entitled to due protection for acts performed by them in good faith and in the bona-fide discharge of their official duties.

* The court directs that no FIR, criminal complaint or coercive proceedings shall ordinarily be initiated against such officers or officials in respect of bona-fide actions undertaken for the purpose of implementing its directions.