Kerala High Court: Human Safety Priority, Urges Licensing For Stray Dog Management (image/pixabay)
Addressing the issue of human-animal conflict, particularly concerning stray dogs, the Kerala High Court directed the state government to formulate guidelines and schemes to give licenses to individuals interested in taking care of stray dogs. The Court also stated that human lives should be given precedence over the lives of stray dogs, asking animal lovers to obtain necessary licenses before keeping stray dogs.
Justice PV Kunhikrishnan highlighted the impact of the stray dog menace on citizens’ daily lives, noting instances of schoolchildren and individuals refraining from outdoor activities due to fear of dog attacks. Observing the increasing the cases of stray dog attacks, the Court said, “If we read the newspapers, we can see regular news in which there is an attack from stray dogs towards small children, youngsters and even old people.”
“If any action is taken against the stray dogs, the dog lovers will come and fight for them. But I am of the considered opinion that human beings should be given more preference than stray dogs. Of course, the barbaric attack on stray dogs by human beings also should not be allowed,” the Court added, as quoted by Bar and Bench.
While acknowledging the advocacy efforts of dog lovers, the Court emphasized practical action over vocal support, urging bona fide dog lovers to collaborate with local self-government institutions to protect and care for stray dogs. The judgement advocated for the issuance of licenses to individuals interested in protecting stray dogs, subject to compliance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
The ruling was based on two petitions filed by residents of Muzhthadam ward in Kannur, expressing grievances over the activities of a fellow resident, Rajeev Krishnan, who cares for injured stray dogs in his residence. The petitioners alleged that the presence of numerous dogs in Krishnan”s house had led to unhygienic conditions and posed a threat to public safety.
They alleged that Krishnan had refused to implement suggestions provided during a meeting conducted at the district collectorate to address the issue.
In response, Rajeev Krishnan defended his actions, asserting that the dogs under his care were vaccinated and sterilized and posed no harm to humans. He added that there had been no instances of dog bites by any of the dogs under his care. However, the Court directed Krishnan to obtain a license from the Corporation of Kannur for maintaining the dogs on his premises. It also directed the Corporation to issue a license to Krishnan after imposing stringent conditions, complying with animal welfare regulations (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023).
