SC orders disposal of leftover food inside its premises to prevent dog bites

Taking note of “significant” increase in instances of stray dogs roaming in corridors and lifts of its premises, the Supreme Court has issued a circular mandating complete disposal of leftover food inside the top court complex to prevent animal bites.

“All leftover food items must be disposed of exclusively in properly covered dustbins. Under no circumstances should food be discarded in open areas or uncovered containers. This measure is crucial to prevent animals from being attracted to and scavenging for food, thereby significantly reducing the risk of bites and maintaining hygiene standards. Your cooperation in implementing this directive is essential for the safety of all,” the circular read.

The circular came a day after it ordered permanent relocation of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets to dog shelters.

Describing the stray dog menace as “extremely grim”, the Supreme Court had on Monday directed the Delhi Government, MCD, NDMC, NOIDA and Gurugram authorities to pick up strays from all localities at the earliest and put them in dog shelters.

“Start picking up all stray dogs at the earliest in all possible manners and shift them to a far off place…Whether sterilised or not, society should be free from stray dogs. You should not find a single stray dog moving around in any locality of the city or in the outskirts,” a bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala had said.

“This is the time to act. All these animal activists and all these so-called animal lovers…will they bring back all those children who have fallen prey to rabies? Will they put life back in those children? Let’s take a practical view of the matter. When the situation demands, you have to act,” the bench had said, refusing to entertain intervention applications of animal rights activists.