Delhi HC tells MCD to strictly comply with rules on capture, release of stray dogs

The Delhi High Court has issued a stern directive to ensure strict adherence to all regulations pertaining to the capture and release of street dogs during special occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day.

This order, disclosed on Wednesday, stemmed from a public interest litigation initiated by Anita Santiago. Santiago sought court intervention to secure the release of dogs apprehended by civic authorities for such events and to guarantee their well-being in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules of 2023.

The petitioner underscored that the ABC Rules specify that captured dogs must be promptly identified with numbered collars. This measure is intended to maintain accurate records that will facilitate their subsequent release in the same locality from which they were captured.

The counsel representing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) asserted that the MCD is in compliance with the ABC Rules. Furthermore, in the context of the G20 Summit, the process of releasing the captured stray dogs has already been set in motion.

The counsel for the Animal Welfare Board of India affirmed the MCD’s stance.

In light of the authorities’ positions, the court deemed it unnecessary to issue further directives regarding the petition.

The court order, dated September 11, stipulated, “In light of the aforenoted submissions, the respondent authorities are directed to ensure strict compliance with all the provisions prescribed under the ABC Rules relating to the capture and release of street dogs.” This directive was issued by a bench consisting of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula.

In her petition, Santiago expressed concern over allegations that the MCD was “removing street dogs” in an inhumane manner for the G20 Summit, which she contended was a “blatant violation” of the ABC Rules.

Santiago articulated in her plea, “Any event that brings pride to the country and necessitates projecting itself to the world requires careful and lawful organization. Actions of respondent no. 1 (MCD) are impugned in this petition whereby respondent no. 1, despite withdrawing its circulars for unlawful dog capture, has allowed the deployment of government resources to capture dogs with the assistance of unauthorized private individuals.”

The two-day G20 Summit, attended by over 30 heads of state, high-ranking officials from the European Union, delegates from guest nations, and 14 leaders of international organizations, took place over the weekend.