Supreme Court Slams States for Ignoring Stray Dog Affidavit Directive
New Delhi, Oct 27: The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern reprimand to several state governments for failing to submit affidavits detailing their compliance with its directive on managing stray dog populations.
The apex court had earlier ordered all states and union territories to sterilise stray dogs and release them, followed by the submission of detailed reports. However, only Telangana, Maharashtra, and West Bengal have complied.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction, the bench noted that the issue of stray dogs is no longer confined to Delhi-NCR but has become a nationwide concern. The court warned that continued negligence could tarnish India’s global image, especially as incidents involving stray dogs gain international attention.
Justice Vikram Nath questioned whether state officials were even aware of the media coverage and court notices. He emphasized that failure to appear or comply would result in penalties or stricter action.
In a decisive move, the Supreme Court has summoned all state Chief Secretaries to appear on November 3 and provide a clear explanation. The hearing may be held in an auditorium if attendance exceeds capacity.
This development marks a critical juncture in India’s public health and animal welfare discourse, with the judiciary stepping in to enforce accountability.
