Jaipur: Taking suo motu cognisance to ensure compliance of Supreme Court’s directions related to stray dogs, the Rajasthan High Court has directed Additional Advocate General GS Gill to file a detailed affidavit on action taken by municipal authorities across the state. The court made it clear that compliance must cover the entire state of Rajasthan, not merely Jaipur.Referring to the Supreme Court judgement, the high court also directed the state govt to frame steps for compulsory registration of pets, including dogs and other animals that may threaten human life. It said a timeframe should be laid down for registration, with penalties such as fines for non-compliance.In its order uploaded Wednesday, the high court sought a report on removal of stray dogs from public places and creation of adequate fencing and gates around sensitive locations, including educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus terminals, railway stations and areas around primary health centres (PHCs) in smaller townships. It also called for a separate wing dedicated to removing stray dogs from and around public roads.The court said dogs captured during such drives must be sterilised and vaccinated in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The affidavit must spell out steps taken to ensure adequate availability of anti-rabies vaccines at PHCs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), dispensaries and hospitals.The court also issued notices to the Union of India and the Animal Welfare Board of India, directing them to file affidavits on steps taken to establish animal welfare boards at district levels and ensure a standard operating procedure for prevention of dog bites.The order further said instructions must be issued by state authorities and the Union of India to establishments under central control at the state level, and to private institutions, requiring appropriate measures for removal of stray dogs from their institutional areas. The court directed that an accountability mechanism be set up for officials responsible for implementing the Supreme Court’s directions.Emphasising that demonstrable steps must be taken to prevent dog-bite incidents that pose a threat to human life, particularly children and the elderly, the high court asked state authorities and the state legal services authority to work through district legal services authorities in coordination with municipal bodies and the veterinary department. These agencies have been asked to conduct grassroots awareness programmes on how to handle such situations and encourage NGO participation.Compliance reports are to be placed before the high court before the next hearing of the matter on Aug 3.
