Read Time: 05 minutes

A Division Bench of Karnataka High Court headed by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi today issued notice to the government of Karnataka in a Public Interest Litigation seeking action for violence against street dogs.

Court has specifically asked the government to reply on whether they are complying with the Animal Birth Control (Dogs rules) 2001.

When the matter came up for hearing, Ramesh Naik, party in person, informed the court that the instances of violence against street dogs are increasing every passing day. Chief Justice, at this point, interjected Naik and said, “I will tell you from my experience. Whenever I go for walks in Cubbon Park, there are so many street dogs and they seem to be well taken care of.”

The Chief Justice also remarked that there were people coming in cars just to take care of them.

Naik argued that while there are instances of street dogs being cared for, there are many instances wherein unspeakable violence is committed against them. He cited incidents where they have been run over by cars on purpose. Naik said, “When there is one incident of violence by street dogs, the authorities don’t just handle it. They take all of them from the locality and kill them. Animals also have a right to life.”

To this, CJ asked if Naik was saying that the animal welfare boards are not working in a desirable manner. Naik informed the court that animal welfare board has issued directions to all the States as to how to treat stray animals, it is for the states to follow the same.

He told the court that the instances of violence against street dogs and violence by street dogs are the result of the authorities not properly implementing the guidelines issued by the animal welfare board.

It was further argued by Naik that the recent order of Delhi High Court and Supreme Court clearly prescribe that the welfare association of each society must have a designated spot for feeding the street dogs, however they are not being followed. Naik told the court that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act lays down clear regulation regarding animal birth control and they ought to be followed by the government.

Court, on hearing the submissions, issued notice to the State and granted the counsel 10 days time to find out as to what measures have been taken by the authorities to implement Animal Birth Control (Dogs rules) 2001.

Case title: Ramesh Naik Vs State of Karnataka