Jaipur (Rajasthan), August 11: The Rajasthan High Court on Monday directed all the municipal bodies to remove stray dogs and other animals from the city roads, colonies and public paths. The High Court's decision came hours after Supreme Court passed a similar judgement. It directed that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR should be picked up from residential localities within eight weeks and taken to dedicated dog shelters.
Rajasthan High Court also stressed that while removing these animals, officials must ensure that they cause the least possible harm to the animals.
FIR Against Obstructors
The court also made it clear that if any person tries to stop the municipal officials or employees from carrying out this work, the officials have the right to take action against them. The court said that this includes filing an FIR against those obstructing the public servants from performing their duties.
Designated Spaces
In its directions, the court addressed the public, saying that if people, due to their sentiments, religious beliefs or love for animals, wish to feed or care for stray animals, they must do so only in designated spaces. These include dog shelters, cattle ponds (Gaushalas) or facilities maintained by municipalities, private individuals or organisations.
Public Areas Safe And Clean
The order aims to keep public areas safe and clean while ensuring that stray animals are handled with care and not harmed unnecessarily.
The Supreme Court in its order today asked the authorities to pick up the stray dogs from the residential localities within eight weeks and take them to the dedicated dog shelters. It also directed that if any organisation tries to hamper this exercise, it will face strict action.
Animal Lovers Protest
Animal lovers took to the streets against the Supreme Court verdict today evening in the national capital. However, the police took swift action these protesters and took them in custody. The protest was held at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Visuals surfaced on social media showing the police dragging the animal lovers and detaining them.
