Context & The Gist
The Supreme Court's recent order regarding the removal of stray dogs from public spaces follows a previous order attempting a more balanced approach to managing the stray dog population. The article critiques the Court’s reversal, arguing it undermines its earlier stance and risks exacerbating the complex issue of stray dog management in India, particularly given the high incidence of dog bite cases.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- Reversal of Stance: The Supreme Court has shifted from allowing the release of sterilized and vaccinated stray dogs back to their original locations to ordering their immediate removal to shelters.
- Public Health Concerns: The Court’s decision is driven by the alarming frequency of dog bite incidents, with 37 lakh cases reported in 2024.
- Implementation Challenges: Housing a large number of stray dogs in shelters requires significant funding and infrastructure, which most local bodies currently lack.
- Complex Causation: The increase in the stray dog population is attributed to multiple factors, including feeding by animal lovers, unmanaged waste, and irresponsible pet ownership.
- Need for Holistic Approach: A sustainable solution requires a balanced approach considering public health, animal welfare, and the underlying causes of the problem.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- GS Paper 2 (Governance): Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services including health, education, and animal welfare.
- GS Paper 2 (Polity): Role of the Judiciary and its interventions in policy matters.
- GS Paper 3 (Environment & Disaster Management): Issues related to animal health and zoonotic diseases.
Prelims Data Bank
- Dog Bite Cases (2024): 37 lakh cases reported across India.
- Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2001: These rules provide guidelines for sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs.
- Rabies: A viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, posing a significant public health threat.
Mains Critical Analysis
The Supreme Court’s order highlights a critical tension between public health and animal welfare. While the concern over rising dog bite incidents is legitimate, a purely punitive approach of removing dogs to shelters is unlikely to be effective due to logistical and financial constraints. The core issue lies in the systemic failures in waste management, sterilization programs, and responsible pet ownership.
The order’s directive to remove dogs within eight weeks is unrealistic given the scale of the problem and the lack of adequate infrastructure. This could lead to inhumane conditions in shelters and potentially exacerbate the problem by disrupting existing animal birth control efforts. A more sustainable solution requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on strengthening ABC programs, improving waste management, raising public awareness, and promoting responsible pet ownership. The PESTLE analysis reveals that Political will and funding (Political), infrastructural limitations (Economic), societal attitudes towards animals (Social), legal framework for animal welfare (Legal), technological advancements in sterilization and vaccination (Technological), and environmental factors like waste management (Environmental) all play a crucial role.
Value Addition
- National Rabies Control Programme: Launched by the Government of India to eliminate rabies by 2030.
- Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): Statutory body established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- SC Judgment (2015): In Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja, the Supreme Court recognized animals as having fundamental rights.
- Quote: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi
The Way Forward
- Immediate Measure: Strengthen existing animal birth control (ABC) programs and vaccination drives in collaboration with local bodies and NGOs.
- Long-term Reform: Implement comprehensive waste management systems, promote responsible pet ownership through registration and licensing, and raise public awareness about rabies prevention and animal welfare.