Due to a recent surge in stray dog attacks, the Kannur District Panchayat urgently requested that the case be given priority. Earlier this month, a child with autism tragically lost their life in Kannur after being viciously attacked by stray dogs.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case concerning stray dogs in Kerala on July 12, following a plea from a local body for an expedited hearing in light of two recent incidents involving stray dog assaults on children.
The Court considered a request from the Kannur District Panchayat to treat the case as urgent, and the matter was discussed before a panel led by Justice Surya Kant.
During the proceedings, it was brought to the Court’s attention that a 9-year-old child named Janviy had recently been attacked by three stray dogs in front of her neighbor’s house. The applicant also mentioned the tragic incident where a child with special needs was killed by stray dogs.
“This matter has been pending for a long time, and it is very unfortunate,” remarked the Court orally.
The Court then took the matter into consideration and issued a notice, ordering the submission of a counter-affidavit by July 7. The case is scheduled for a hearing on July 12.
Represented by attorney Biju P, the Kannur Panchayat filed an application to present recent video footage of stray dog attacks as evidence.
The local organization argued that there is a significant number of dog attacks in the district, particularly targeting children.
Earlier this month, an 11-year-old autistic boy named Nihal lost his life in Kannur as a result of an attack by stray dogs.
The main case involves a challenge to a 2006 ruling by the Kerala High Court that authorized local self-government institutions to handle the issue of stray dogs.
On June 13, the Supreme Court declined to expedite the listing of a second application, filed by VK Biju, during the summer recess.
Several High Courts are currently dealing with cases related to the management and control of stray dogs.
In July 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court sought information on the stray dog population and anti-rabies efforts in the Union Territory.
Last year in September, the Supreme Court suggested finding a middle ground for the Kerala government to address the stray dog issue while also considering animal rights.
Subsequently, the Kerala High Court ordered government hospitals to provide free medical care and necessary vaccinations to victims of dog injuries until appropriate measures are established by the state to tackle the increasing problem of stray dogs.
In April of this year, the Bombay High Court directed a residential society in Mumbai to address complaints against security officers who use weapons to frighten, threaten, or harm animals.
