After Delhi, Rajasthan Court Orders Removal Of Stray Dogs
In a significant ruling, the Rajasthan High Court has directed municipal authorities to clear stray dogs and other animals from city roads, prioritizing minimal harm to the animals. This decision, issued on August 11, 2025, mirrors a recent Supreme Court order mandating the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR areas, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, in response to rising dog bite incidents and fatalities. The Rajasthan directive, initiated through a suo motu plea, addresses growing concerns over stray animals causing public safety issues in the state.
A division bench, comprising Justices Kuldeep Mathur and Ravi Chirania, emphasized that municipal bodies must act decisively to ensure public safety. The court granted these authorities the power to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals obstructing the removal process, reinforcing their ability to carry out duties without interference. The ruling specifies that any person or group hindering municipal efforts will face legal consequences under applicable municipal laws.
To execute the order, the court instructed municipal bodies to launch special drives for stray animal removal, ensuring the process is humane. Immediate action was mandated for high-traffic areas such as the premises of AIIMS Jodhpur and the district court. Additionally, the National Highways Authority and State Highways Authority were directed to patrol highways regularly to maintain smooth vehicular movement.
The court also addressed public participation, urging citizens who wish to feed stray animals to do so at designated dog shelters or cattle ponds maintained by municipalities or private organizations. To facilitate public reporting, municipal corporations were ordered to provide contact numbers or email addresses for lodging complaints about stray animals.
The Additional Advocate General was tasked with submitting a detailed report on the condition and management of dog shelters and cattle ponds. The case is scheduled for further review on September 8, 2025.