The Supreme Court, during a hearing on managing stray dogs in public spaces, noted that dogs can sense fear, potentially leading to attacks on scared individuals or those previously bitten. The court considered applications to modify its order on capturing and relocating stray dogs found in public institutions after vaccination and sterilization.
A lawyer’s disagreement with the observation that dogs can sense fear prompted the court to emphasize that fear can provoke dog attacks. The bench highlighted the importance of managing stray dogs responsibly to prevent such incidents, drawing from personal experiences and general behavior patterns.
Senior advocate C.U. Singh argued that dogs play a role in ecological balance by controlling rodent populations. However, the court questioned the impact of removing dogs on rodent populations, suggesting that promoting cats as natural rodent predators could be a solution. The court emphasized the need to handle stray dogs in line with Animal Birth Control Rules, rather than removing them entirely from streets.
Advocates representing various organizations presented arguments on releasing captured dogs back to their original locations and the welfare of stray animals. The court discussed the need for expert opinions and scientific considerations in managing stray dog populations, aiming to balance public safety with animal welfare concerns.
