The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning and an ultimatum to state Chief Secretaries, demanding their personal appearance on November 3rd over the persistent stray dog issue. A bench including Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed dismay at the widespread failure to submit compliance reports regarding animal birth control measures. The court stressed that this inaction is contributing to a negative perception of India on the global stage.
Only West Bengal, Delhi, and Telangana have submitted their affidavits on the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, leaving the rest of the states’ top administrative officials accountable. The court implied that officials should have been proactively informed and engaged with the issue due to its extensive media coverage. The possibility of holding court proceedings in a larger venue, like an auditorium, was mentioned to accommodate the summoned officials, signaling the court’s resolve.
“We will hold court in auditorium,” the bench declared, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Justice Vikram Nath emphasized the reputational damage, stating, “The image of the country is being shown as down in the eyes of foreign nations.” The court also broadened the scope of concern to include human welfare impacted by the stray dog menace and cautioned against an excessive number of parties intervening, seeking practical solutions instead.
This situation arises from ongoing efforts to address stray dog populations, including directives for increased shelter capacity and sterilization. The case has evolved from localized orders to a nationwide concern, with multiple High Court matters now consolidated before the apex court for comprehensive resolution.