The Meghalaya High Court has directed state authorities to capture and vaccinate aggressive stray dogs before releasing them back into public areas, noting that the growing menace poses a serious risk to public safety.
The order was passed by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the issue.
The bench observed that a significant number of stray dogs in the state had turned aggressive and often attacked pedestrians without provocation.
On roads, streets and other public places, they suddenly attack persons, at times causing grave injury, the court noted.
The judges directed that such dogs must be taken into custody by the concerned authorities, vaccinated, medically examined, and kept in shelters for observation. They said that only after ensuring that the animals no longer pose a threat to the public should they be released. The court also cautioned that releasing aggressive dogs without proper verification would endanger citizens.
The bench instructed the Registrar General to approach the Supreme Court for directions on whether the PIL should continue to be retained by the Meghalaya High Court, citing the unique and urgent nature of the problem in the state.
The court noted that while similar issues are under consideration before other High Courts and the apex court, Meghalaya faces a distinct challenge requiring immediate and localised intervention.
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