The Rajasthan High Court on Monday ordered municipal bodies in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur to undertake a special drive to remove stray dogs and other animals from city roads.
A Bench of Justices Kuldeep Mathur and Ravi Chirania further said that the authorities shall be free to take action, including lodge criminal cases, against those who may obstruct the officials during this drive.
However, the Court emphasised that the authorities must ensure that minimum harm is caused to the animals during this drive.
"We also expect from the Municipal Corporations that they will notify a telephone/mobile number/e-mail ID where citizens/residents of that area can lodged their complaints with regard to stray animals," order stated.
It also said that the people who want to feed the animals or take care of them can perform such activities at shelters maintained by municipalities or private individuals or organisations.
"We expect from the general public that if due to their sentiments or religious believes or for love towards the animals, they want to feed them or offer food or take care of them, then they shall perform such activities at dog shelters and cattle ponds/Gaushalas maintained by the Municipalities or private individual/organization."
National and State highways authorities have been directed to conduct regular patrols for removal of stray animals from the roads and to ensure free vehicular movement.
The Court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the increasing number of dog bite incidents and the growing threat posed by stray animals on public roads and highways, which have led to multiple fatalities across the State.
Today, the State government and the municipal bodies had sought time to respond on the issue. However, the Court said that certain directions are required to be issued in the matter. It accordingly proceeded to order the removal of animals from roads. The matter is next listed for hearing on September 8.
Senior Advocate Sachin Acharya and Advocates Priyanka Borana and Heli Pathak are Amicus Curiae in the case.
Additional Advocate General Rajesh Panwar with Advocate Monal Chugh appeared for the State and municipalities.
Advocates BP Bohra and Vaibhav Bhansali appeared for the Central government.
[Read Order]