Feeding of stray dogs will not be permitted on streets, the Supreme Court on Friday ruled as it directed the municipal authorities of Delhi-NCR to create dedicated spaces for it.A three-judge special bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath said the feeding areas have to be identified keeping in view the population and concentration of stray dogs in a particular municipal ward.
“Under no conditions shall the feeding of stray dogs on the streets be permitted,” the bench, also comprising Justices Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria, said.
The top court further directed for the installation of notice boards near designated feeding areas, specifying the area was meant to feed stray dogs.
Persons found feeding stray dogs on the streets would be liable to be proceeded with under relevant legal framework.
“The aforesaid directions are being issued in view of the reports regarding untoward incidents caused by unregulated feeding of stray dogs and to ensure that practice of feeding dogs on the roads and in public places is eliminated as the said practice creates great difficulties for the common man walking on the streets,” it added.
Each municipal authority was also ordered to create a dedicated helpline for reporting incidents of violation of the directions.
The top court ordered appropriate measures against the individual or organisation concerned once complaints were received on the helpline.
The bench modified the apex court’s August 11 direction prohibiting release of stray dogs from dog shelters in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), and said the picked up canines should be sterilised, vaccinated and released back in the same area.