The Supreme Court of India, hearing passionate pleas from dog lovers seeking a stay on its order to remove strays from public institutions, took a firm stance on Thursday. The bench directed the advocates to consider a pressing ecological threat highlighted in a recent newspaper report before proceeding further.
Court References Ladakh Report to Highlight Menace
During the hearing, the bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria specifically referred to a December 29 report published in The Times of India. The article, titled 'On the roof of the world, feral dogs hunt down Ladakh's rare species', details the severe threat posed by free-roaming dogs to the fragile wildlife of the high-altitude region. The court asked the lawyers present to read this report to fully comprehend the scale of the problem stray animals can create.
Legal Battle Over Strays in Sensitive Zones
The hearing saw intense arguments from ten senior lawyers, with nine representing various animal rights activists and one arguing for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). The core issue revolves around the court's earlier directive to remove stray dogs from places like hospitals, schools, and colleges to ensure public safety and hygiene.
The bench made its perspective clear, stating that dogs cannot be permitted to roam freely within hospital wards. This underscores the court's primary concern for the safety of patients, staff, and visitors in sensitive healthcare environments.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court has asked the lawyers to go through the cited report and respond with their views. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on Friday, where the arguments will continue. This case pits animal welfare concerns against public health and safety imperatives, with the court seeking a balanced resolution after understanding the broader ecological impact as seen in places like Ladakh.
