SC Directs AWBI To Get Approval Quickly For Rules Concerning Birth Control Of Feral, Free-Ranging, and Domestic Dogs Attacking Wildlife in Protected Areas

Regarding the rules concerning birth control of feral, free-ranging, and domestic dogs attacking or hunting wildlife in protected areas and forests, the Supreme Court (SC) bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, today (November 28, 2024), directed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to quickly get approval from the concerned Ministry of the Government of India. The bench said, “It is hoped that a decision on this will be taken within 4 weeks.” The case before the SC was that although the AWBI framed guidelines regarding stray dogs there are no guidelines on free-ranging dogs. The petitioner said that these free-ranging dogs have become a danger to many other species. In the petition, the petitioner prayed for a writ of mandamus or appropriate directions for the management of feral, free-ranging, and domestic dogs in protected areas and forests. 

During the proceedings, the Counsel appearing for the AWBI informed the Court that the matter was sent to the AWBI, as per the February 19 order directing the petitioner to make representation before the Animal Welfare Board of India. She added that in consonance with the petitioner and the Union of India, the AWBI has now arrived at a common solution. She also informed the Court that the said proposal pertains to the birth control of feral, free-ranging, and domestic dogs and needs to be approved by the concerned Ministry of the Government of India. She added that the rules are already in existence. While submitting contentions, she also informed the Court that the dogs in question are only found in 3 to 4 states near forest areas. To this Justice Dhulia replied, “They are found everywhere.” Adding to this, Justice Amanullah remarked, “They are like wild dogs in packs.” After hearing the matter, the top Court directed the AWBI to quickly get approval from the concerned Ministry of the Government of India relating to the rules concerning birth control of feral, free-ranging, and domestic dogs attacking or hunting wildlife in protected areas and forests.