While hearing a plea alleging harassment over feeding of stray dogs, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the petitioner from Noida, “Why don’t you feed them in your own house?”
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta were hearing a plea related to a Allahabad High Court order from March 2024. The counsel said the petitioner was subjected to harassment and was unable to feed community dogs in line with the Animal Birth Control Rules.
After pointing out issues related to conveyance and safety of pedestrians on streets, the apex court bench took a jibe at the petitioner’s counsel, asking, “Why don’t you feed them in your own house? Nobody is stopping you.”
According to Rule 20 of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, the onus is on resident welfare associations, apartment owners’ bodies and local body representatives to make necessary arrangements for feeding strays in the area.
The counsel said the municipality was creating such places in Greater Noida but not in Noida. He said feeding points could be made at a place not frequented by people, adding that feeding points could be made at a place not frequented by people.
The court asked the counsel if he goes for cycling. When the counsel said he goes on morning walks and comes across several dogs, the bench retorted, “Morning walkers are also at risk. Cycle riders and two-wheelers are at greater risk.”
Following the comment, the bench then tagged the plea with a similar pending plea.
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During a High Court hearing the petitioner’s counsel sought the implementation of rules, keeping in mind the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Noting several instances of stray dog attacks lately, the Allahabad bench, however, pointed out the concerns of the “common man” with relation to safety and free movement on streets.
The High Court disposed the plea while directing authorities to take appropriate steps to ensure the protection of strays while ensuring that interest of people on the streets was not jeopardised.
(With PTI inputs)
