PIL seeks urgent action on stray dog menace in Punjab, compensation to victims

Indian Express

4 days ago

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to file an affidavit in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting the state's failure to curb the growing menace of stray dogs. The order was passed by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel in response to a PIL filed by the People Welfare Society.
The PIL drew attention to the state's non-compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and its own bye-laws framed in 2020 for the control of stray animals. The petitioner's advocate pointed to the non-establishment of District Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the failure to construct cattle pounds across the state, both of which are mandated under Rule 4 of the Punjab Municipal Corporation and Municipal (Registration, Proper Control of Stray Animals and Compensation to the Victim of Animal Attack) Bye-laws, 2020.
Taking note of the petitioner's grievances, the court observed that 'the learned counsel for the State is directed to seek instructions in this matter and may file short affidavit, if so advised, in response to the aforesaid grievances'. The matter will now be taken up on July 14.
In the petition, Kanwar Pahul Singh and co-counsel Rasia Jund listed a series of alarming incidents involving attacks by stray dogs. Singh cited the case of Harjit Kaur, wife of a BSF personnel, who was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in Kishanpur village on May 3, 2024, as reported in an English daily. In another horrific case, a six-year-old boy in Ludhiana lost his life in a stray dog attack on March 31 this year. Locals had rushed to save the child, but to no avail.
Supporting his plea with news reports and statistics, the petitioner cited a report published in a Hindi daily, which stated that 770 people had been bitten by stray dogs in just four months of 2024, averaging 62 bites per day. Singh contended that the inaction of municipal bodies, panchayats, and the Animal Husbandry Department had led to grievous injuries and even deaths, violating citizens' fundamental right to life and safety under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The PIL sought immediate intervention by the state government, including the creation of cattle pounds, implementation of sterilisation drives, and provision of compensation to victims of stray dog attacks. It also demanded that officials be held accountable for failing to enforce the 2020 bye-laws.
The petition also highlighted the petitioner's earlier efforts to engage with the authorities. It mentioned a representation submitted on February 26, 2025, which remained unaddressed. Singh further requested that the court waive the five-day notice requirement for the respondents and dispense with advance copy service, citing the urgency of the matter.