LI Network
Published on: 13 September 2023 at 21:13 IST
The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to ensure strict adherence to the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 (ABC Rules) when capturing and releasing street dogs in the national capital ahead of the G20 Summit.
This decision comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) titled “Anita Santiago v. Municipal Corporation Of Delhi & Ors,” which raised concerns about the procedures followed by the MCD for handling street dogs during special events, including the recent G20 Summit.
The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula, ordered the MCD to uphold all provisions outlined in the ABC Rules regarding the capture and release of street dogs.
The court stressed the importance of following these rules, particularly in the context of events like Independence Day, Republic Day, and the G20 Summit.
According to the ABC Rules, captured dogs should be immediately identified with numbered collars to maintain proper records. This record-keeping process facilitates the dogs’ release in the same locality from which they were captured.
The MCD informed the court that it had initiated the release process for dogs captured in preparation for the G20 Summit and was strictly adhering to the ABC Rules. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was also providing assistance in this regard.
The Delhi High Court’s directive underscores the importance of humane treatment and proper procedures when dealing with street dogs, especially during significant events. It aims to ensure that the ABC Rules are rigorously followed to protect the welfare of these animals in the national capital.