The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to both the Delhi Government and the Municipal Corporations on a petition seeking vaccination of street dogs and other animals in the national capital against deadly viruses like Canine Distemper and Parvo Virus.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Sachin Datta observed that the public interest litigation raised several important issues with regard to care and protection of stray dogs and other animals in the city, which neede “urgent attention” of the government.
The Apex Court directed the respondents to come out with a clear and considered stand in respect of all the issues raised in the petition.
“It appears that the stray dogs and other street animals in the city are a neglected lot and it is necessary to look after the stray dogs other street animals not only as a measure of showing respect for animal life but also because there will a direct impact on the human population in the city.
The Bench fixed November 3 as the next date of hearing.
Advocate Rahul Mohod, petitioner-in-person, approached the Court, raising grievance with regard to lack of mechanism to vaccinate stray dogs and other street animals to protect them from diseases such as Canine Distemper and Parvo Virus, which are known killers.
The plea pointed out that there was hardly any infrastructure in place for vaccination or treatment of such animals and whatever infrastructure was available, was practically dysfunctional. It further pointed out that no helpline was available, on which the citizens may report to seek help for a stray dog, who may be in need of medical attention.
“The street animals, specially street dogs, are the most downtrodden group in Delhi/India. The government never paid attention towards their deplorable condition because they have no right to vote,” said the PIL.
It sought upgradation of infrastructure and medical facilities at all animal care hospitals/dispensaries in Delhi, in addition to creation of an Animal Welfare Fund, wherein anyone may donate funds for the welfare of animals.
The plea further sought constitution of an independent committee to submit a report on “Animal Welfare Health Mechanism”.