The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that dogs can sense when a person is afraid and may attack upon detecting fear, even in the case of pets.
The remarks came during hearings in the suo motu case “City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay Price vs State of Andhra Pradesh”, which addresses the rising incidents of dog bites across India.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria stressed that municipal authorities have failed to implement Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules effectively. The Court previously directed vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs instead of permanent sheltering, while also mandating fencing of institutions and removal of strays from highways.
Senior advocates presented varied arguments: some warned of rodent infestations if dogs are abruptly removed, while others called for microchipping, expert committees, and humane treatment. The Court, in a lighter vein, suggested promoting cats to control rodents, but reiterated the need for a balanced approach that safeguards both citizens and animals.
The matter will continue on Friday, with the Court expected to refine directions for state governments and local bodies on managing stray dog populations.
