The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday
modified its August 11 order saying that stray dogs will be released back to the
same area after sterilisation and immunisation. However, dogs infected with
rabies or showing aggressive behaviour will be detained.
The Municipal Corporation of
Delhi (MCD) has been directed to create designated feeding areas for stray dogs
in each municipal ward. The top court has also ruled that under no
circumstances will feeding be allowed outside these designated zones, and any
violation will invite legal action.
The MCD is also supposed to
create a dedicated helpline number, where all complaints regarding violations
can be reported.
The apex court also said that if
any public servant is obstructed in carrying out these duties, the individuals
responsible will be held liable. Additionally, each NGO or animal lover
violating SC's ruling will be required to pay a penalty of ?25,000.
The SC said that animal lovers
or those interested in the welfare of stray dogs can formally submit an
application before the MCD for the adoption of dogs.
The top court has also broadened
the scope of the matter to a pan-India level. Notices are to be issued to the
Animal Husbandry Departments of all states and union territories to obtain
information regarding compliance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
Moreover, the Registry has been directed to seek information from all High
Courts where petitions on similar issues are pending.