Mon Nov 18 19:24:10 UTC 2024: ## Delhi High Court Orders Implementation of Stray Animal Control Measures
**New Delhi, November 19, 2024** – The Delhi High Court has directed the Chief Secretary to implement a comprehensive plan to address the growing problem of stray dogs and monkeys in the capital. The order follows a meeting convened by the Chief Secretary with representatives from various city agencies, including the NDMC, MCD, Delhi Cantonment Board, and the forest department. The plan includes both short-term and long-term measures, developed in accordance with animal welfare laws, including the Animal Birth Control Rules and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules).
The court’s decision comes in response to several petitions highlighting attacks by stray animals on citizens, particularly vulnerable groups including the differently-abled. The devised plan addresses multiple facets of the issue, including animal birth control, registration of ABC centers, animal identification (geo-tagging or micro-chipping), habitat modification, improved veterinary care, public awareness campaigns, and safety measures for vulnerable populations. The plan’s implementation will be overseen by the Chief Secretary, who is tasked with issuing time-bound directions to the relevant authorities. The Animal Welfare Board of Delhi, the Delhi government’s Animal Husbandry Department, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), and petitioners’ lawyers also participated in the formulation of the plan.
First Piper 