In the wake of increasing dog bite cases and road accidents caused by stray animals, the Rajasthan High Court has ordered the removal of stray dogs and other animals from public roads and city areas across the state. This directive follows a similar Supreme Court order for Delhi-NCR earlier this week.

The High Court, in a suo motu proceeding, took judicial notice of rising incidents involving stray dogs and animals, especially in urban areas, and issued strong directions to civic bodies for their removal — with minimal harm ensured.

Court’s Directive: Zero Tolerance for Obstruction

A division bench of Justice Kuldeep Mathur and Justice Ravi Chirania made it clear that municipal officials are free to act against individuals or groups who obstruct their work. FIRs can be lodged under applicable municipal laws against those interfering with public servants discharging their duties.

“Municipal bodies shall undertake a special drive to remove stray dogs and animals while ensuring minimum physical harm. Any obstruction will attract legal action, including FIRs,” the bench stated.

Urgent Focus: AIIMS Jodhpur & District Court Premises

The Jodhpur Municipal Corporation has been directed to take immediate action to clear stray animals from high-footfall zones, including AIIMS Jodhpur and the district court campus.

In addition, the National Highways Authority and State Highways Authority have been instructed to patrol highways regularly to ensure stray-free roads and unhindered vehicular movement.

Helplines & Shelter Feeding Only

To address public concern, the court has also ordered:

• Municipal bodies to release helpline numbers or email IDs for reporting stray animal issues.
• Citizens wishing to feed animals must do so only at designated shelters, cattle ponds, or gaushalas — not on public streets.

“Feeding animals due to personal sentiments or religious beliefs must be restricted to shelter homes or gaushalas,” the court added.

 Monitoring & Maintenance

The Additional Advocate General (AAG) has been asked to submit a detailed report on shelter conditions and maintenance by the next hearing, scheduled for September 8.