Meghalaya High Court Directs Formation of Statewide Stray Dog Management Committee
Why in News?
- Meghalaya High Court mandated the state government to establish a committee within four weeks to address the growing concerns related to stray dogs across the state.
Important Key Points:
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Committee Formation:
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Legal Basis: The directive is in accordance with Rule 4 of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
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Composition: The committee will include the commissioner or chief of the local authority as the ex-officio chairperson, along with other designated members.
Mandate and Responsibilities:
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Stray Dog Management: Humane catching, transportation, sheltering, sterilization, vaccination, and treatment of stray dogs.
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Public Engagement: Generating awareness, soliciting cooperation and funding, and providing guidelines to pet owners and breeders.
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Data Collection: Conducting surveys on street dog populations through independent agencies.
Statewide Implementation:
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Initial PIL: The order originated from a Public Interest Litigation addressing stray dog issues in Shillong.
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Expanded Scope: The High Court extended the directive’s applicability to the entire state of Meghalaya.
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Execution: Commissioners, District Councils, and local municipal authorities are tasked with implementing the order in their respective jurisdictions.
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