Supreme Court lawyer and petitioner Nanita Sharma, visibly emotional on Friday, commented on the apex court’s order regarding stray dogs near educational institutions, hospitals, bus stops, and railway stations. The order mandates that stray dogs, after sterilisation, will not be returned to their original locations. Sharma noted that the ruling mirrors the court’s August 11 directive, emphasizing the removal of stray dogs from public spaces and their relocation to shelters, with a nodal officer appointed to prevent their return.

She said, “Today’s order is similar to the previous one. Dogs will be removed from government institutions, educational facilities, railway stations, and bus stops, and relocated. A nodal officer will ensure they do not come back. I still have hope and believe in divine justice. Such voiceless animals should not face this injustice. Relocation is normally prohibited under the ABC (Animal Birth Control) rules, but it has been allowed due to incidents of dog bites. What has happened today is unfortunate. Shelter homes also need to be properly maintained. We are following the Supreme Court’s order because it must be respected.”

The Supreme Court, citing the “alarming rise of dog bite incidents,” directed all states and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from all public institutions and places, including schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria emphasized that these areas should be properly fenced to prevent dogs’ entry.

The court clarified that stray dogs must not be returned to their original locations, as doing so would undermine the purpose of the directive and compromise public safety. Local government authorities are responsible for collecting stray dogs from these areas and transferring them to designated shelters after vaccination and sterilisation, in line with Animal Birth Control Rules.