Supreme Court Directions on Stray Animals

The Supreme Court has issued a directive to state governments and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the issue of stray animals on highways and expressways.

Key Directives

• The removal of stray animals, including cattle, from highways and expressways.
• Immediate provision of shelters for the rehabilitation of these animals.
• Fencing of educational and health institutions to prevent stray dogs from entering.

Background and Implementation

• A three-member bench led by Justice Vikram Nath reaffirmed the directions issued by the Rajasthan High Court in August, which concerned the removal of stray animals from roads.
• The Supreme Court has extended the Rajasthan High Court’s order to all states and Union Territories.

Execution and Monitoring

• Authorities such as the public works department, municipal, and road and transport authorities are responsible for enforcing these directives.
• The creation of dedicated highway patrol teams is mandated to monitor and report stray cattle on highways.
• National highways are required to have helpline numbers for reporting stray animals.
• Chief secretaries of all states are tasked with ensuring strict enforcement of these measures.

Additional Requirements

• Both government-run and private educational and health institutions should be fenced.
• States are required to identify institutions needing fencing within two weeks.