PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa has initiated suo motu proceedings to monitor the implementation of measures to tackle the stray dog issue across the state, following directions issued by the Supreme Court.
A Division Bench has issued notices to the Goa government, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, the Directorate of Panchayats, and all municipal councils, directing them to submit status reports. The matter will next be heard on Wednesday, when the court will review the progress made and decide on further directions.
The proceedings stem from the Supreme Court’s May 19 judgment, which instructed all States and Union Territories to strengthen the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme within a fixed timeline. The apex court also directed High Courts to independently monitor compliance through suo motu proceedings.
While reaffirming the importance of animal welfare, the Supreme Court observed that governments have an equal responsibility to protect citizens from stray dog attacks. It stressed that people have the right to use public spaces without fear or danger.
The judgment also clarified that, under existing laws, authorities are permitted to euthanise dogs that are rabid, terminally ill, or pose a serious threat to public safety.
Expressing concern over increasing incidents involving children, senior citizens, and commuters, the Supreme Court noted that stray dog attacks are no longer limited to roads but have spread to residential areas and other public places. It warned that failure to implement its directions could lead to contempt proceedings and disciplinary action against officials responsible.
The apex court further directed all States and Union Territories to expand Animal Birth Control infrastructure, maintain sufficient anti-rabies vaccine stocks, and strictly enforce existing legal provisions to effectively control the stray dog population while ensuring both public safety and animal welfare.
