The Supreme Court has allowed euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs for the first time, citing the need to protect human life and public safety. A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N. V. Anjaria issued a series of directions aimed at addressing the growing stray dog population across the country.
The bench stated that municipal bodies may resort to euthanasia in areas where the stray dog population has reached alarming levels and where repeated dog bites or aggressive attacks continue to threaten public safety.
The order came in a suo motu case initiated on July 28 last year following media reports highlighting incidents of stray dog bites and rabies cases, especially among children in the national capital.
Meanwhile, the top court dismissed pleas seeking a recall of its earlier order on the relocation and sterilisation of stray canines, as it observed that the right to live with dignity encompasses the right to move freely without the threat of harm from dog bite attacks.
