NGO seeks clarification on SC order on euthanasia, says ABC rules do not allow indiscriminate killing of strays | Today’s news
The NGO has approached the Supreme Court seeking clarification that its recent order allowing euthanasia of dogs under certain circumstances should not be construed as condoning the indiscriminate killing of stray dogs, LiveLaw reports.
The claim was brought by Animals Are People Too in an ongoing high court case, which has raised concerns that authorities may be misinterpreting the guidelines to justify the illegal killing or removal of stray dogs. The plea also seeks directions to all state police chiefs to ensure that dogs are not unlawfully killed, poisoned or harmed under the guise of executing a court order, LiveLaw reported.
Read also | Stray dogs case: Supreme Court strikes down states, UTs over poor infrastructure
The applicant further argued that under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, euthanasia is permitted only in specific, narrowly defined situations and must adhere to strict safeguards. They argue that any action outside this legal framework would be illegal, the report said.
What are the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023?
Under the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023, terminally ill and fatally injured dogs, as diagnosed by a team appointed by the local Animal Birth Control Committee, may be humanely euthanized by a qualified veterinarian through intravenous sodium pentobarbital or any other approved method.
In a landmark decision earlier on May 19, the Supreme Court allowed the euthanasia of rabid, terminally ill, dangerous and aggressive dogs to address threats to human life, noting that the right to a dignified life also includes freedom of movement without fear of dog attacks.
Read also | Supreme Court takes states to task for negligence in stray dog case
The Supreme Court further held that when human safety and life are weighed against animal welfare, the constitutional balance must clearly favor the protection and preservation of human life.
Punjab launches drive to remove stray dogs from public places
The Punjab government on Friday launched a campaign to remove stray dogs from public spaces, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann saying the state would follow the Supreme Court’s order in letter and spirit.
“The Punjab government will strictly comply, in letter and spirit, with the Supreme Court order issued on May 19, 2026. As per the SC orders, we will remove stray dogs from all high-footprint public spaces so that children, senior citizens and families can move freely without fear of their safety,” Mann said in a post on X on Friday.
“We will establish and maintain an adequate number of dog shelters where they can be properly cared for,” Mann wrote, promising legally permissible measures including euthanasia in cases of rabid, terminally ill or demonstrably dangerous and aggressive dogs that may pose a threat to human life and safety.
MCD is nearing a plan for a CSR-supported dog shelter in Delhi’s Dwarka
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has received a proposal from a private multinational conglomerate to set up a dog shelter in Dwarka Sector 29, with officials saying the plan is nearing completion.
Read also | “I am grateful to a stray dog for making me known globally”: Justice Vikram Nath
According to senior officials, the shed is expected to be built as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative as the firm is involved in infrastructure sectors such as airports, energy, transport and urban development. The MCD has also ordered an increase in designated feeding points for stray dogs across the city.
MCD officials on euthanasia
Officials said the civic body is also working on a protocol on euthanasia in line with Supreme Court directions and the policy will be introduced after wider consultation.
“The proposed mechanism will include at least three policy-linked members to ensure that cases are dealt with as per prescribed norms and Supreme Court guidelines are followed,” said a senior MCD official, adding that euthanasia was a sensitive matter and would be taken as a last resort.
