Stray dogs have right to food, citizens right to feed them: HC

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 1

Holding that stray dogs have the right to food and citizens the right to feed them, the Delhi High Court has said those exercising this right should take care and caution to ensure that it doesn’t impinge on others’ rights and cause harassment or nuisance.

Onus on RWAs, NGOs

If any street dog is injured or unwell, it shall be the duty of the RWA to secure treatment by the vet made available by the civic body or privately from RWA funds. Delhi HC

“No hindrance whatsoever shall be caused to the persons in carrying out any activities in respect of street dogs...If any street dog is injured or unwell, it shall be the duty of the RWA to secure treatment by the vet made available by the civic body or privately from RWA funds,” Justice JR Midha said in a recent verdict.

Describing animals as “sentient creatures with an intrinsic value”, the HC said, “Animals have a right under law to be treated with compassion, respect and dignity and their protection is the moral responsibility of each and every citizen, including the government and NGOs.” Despite the law prohibiting cruelty to animals, there was an increasing tendency among citizens to defy the same, it lamented. The HC formed a committee to implement the guidelines.

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