No effective mechanism in Kerala to assess ABC centres amid stray dog menace: Amicus Curiae to SC

New Delhi: Amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwal has informed the Supreme Court that Kerala lacks an effective system to evaluate Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres meant for the sterilisation of stray dogs. He also pointed out that the existing ABC centres in the state are not functioning at full capacity. The observations were made in a report submitted to the apex court.

The amicus curiae further told the court that the Kerala government does not have accurate data on the number of stray dogs within the premises of institutions such as courts, schools and colleges. Agarwal stated that, if directed by the court, he would work with officials in Kerala to address the challenges involved in ensuring the effective functioning of ABC centres.

Earlier, while hearing multiple interim applications related to the stray dog issue, the Supreme Court questioned why there was resistance to removing stray dogs from sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals and courts, given that their behaviour cannot be predicted in advance. The court observed that when dogs become aggressive, their behaviour cannot be anticipated by anyone.

The Supreme Court clarified that its revised order applies only to institutional premises and not to public roads. The three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria noted that it is impossible to identify dangerous dogs solely based on behaviour and acknowledged the challenges involved in controlling the stray dog population on roads and streets.