Euthanized Stray Dogs Suspected To Be Rabid - Kerala State Child Rights To SC

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has approached the Supreme Court, drawing attention to the necessity of euthanizing dangerous stray dogs suspected to be rabid in order to address the issue of dog attacks on children in the state. In an interlocutory application, the child rights organization also emphasized the need for strict action against individuals who irresponsibly abandon such dogs. Despite the implementation of several schemes by the state to address the problem of stray dogs, none of them have provided a comprehensive solution, as stated by the applicant.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case concerning stray dogs on July 12. The Kannur Panchayat has also sought to be involved in the proceedings due to two recent incidents of stray dog attacks on children. The primary focus of the case pertains to a challenge against a 2006 judgment of the Kerala High Court, which granted local self-government institutions the authority to euthanize stray dogs.

The child rights body from Kerala has raised concerns regarding the lack of awareness among the Indian population regarding responsible pet ownership and the risks associated with abandoning pets. It was further argued that the culling of stray dogs or housing them in confined facilities can reduce the occurrence of such incidents to some extent. The child rights organization also emphasized the potential spread of rabies through stray dogs as a significant risk.

Several High Courts are currently handling cases related to the welfare and regulation of stray dogs. In July 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court requested information on the population of stray dogs and anti-rabies initiatives in the Union Territory. Last September, the Supreme Court orally suggested that the Kerala government should strive to find a balanced approach in addressing the stray dog issue while also considering animal rights. Subsequently, the Kerala High Court directed government hospitals to provide free medical care and vaccines for victims of dog bites until a comprehensive system is established to address the growing problem of stray dogs in the state. In April of this year, the Bombay HC instructed a residential society in Mumbai to handle complaints from its members regarding security guards using sticks to intimidate or abuse animals.

In November 2022, the Supreme Court expressed disapproval of a Bombay High Court order that imposed fines on individuals feeding stray dogs in Nagpur.