India’s top court has drawn a red line against the stray dog epidemic fueling fear and fatalities. In a no-nonsense approach, the Supreme Court grilled authorities on Wednesday, promising deeper scrutiny on Thursday. The case spotlights systemic failures turning streets into danger zones.
From playground bites to nighttime assaults, the toll is staggering—thousands hospitalized, lives upended. The bench dissected weak enforcement of ABC rules, pushing for mass neutering campaigns backed by adequate budgets. ‘Protect the vulnerable first,’ it asserted, targeting vulnerable groups like kids and seniors.
Government affidavits revealed patchy progress, with southern states faring better than northern chaos. The court hinted at penalties for non-compliance, urging public-private collaborations. Animal rights voices urged caution, but justices prioritized evidence-based curbs.
Thursday’s session could birth a blueprint for safer cities, integrating shelters, awareness, and enforcement. This landmark scrutiny reflects evolving jurisprudence on urban wildlife management, poised to influence laws and save countless lives.