Supreme Court Directs Relocation of Stray Dogs Citing Fundamental Duty of Compassion
The Supreme Court has directed municipal authorities to relocate stray dogs from public places to shelters for sterilization and vaccination. This order emphasizes the 'fundamental duty' of citizens under Article 51A(g) to have compassion for living creatures. However, the implementation faces challenges regarding infrastructure and the balance between animal rights and human safety. The court cited Section 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which mandates the well-being of animals. Previous judgments, like Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja, established that all living creatures have inherent dignity and a right to live peacefully, free from unnecessary suffering.
Key Points
- Article 51A(g) of the Constitution mandates compassion for living creatures as a fundamental duty of every citizen.
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, requires persons in charge of animals to ensure their well-being.
- The court seeks to balance animal compassion with the human right to life and safety under Article 21.
- Municipalities are legally tasked with providing infrastructure for animal shelters, sterilization, and immunization.
Exam Facts
- Article 51A(g) lists compassion for living creatures as a Fundamental Duty.
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was enacted in 1960.
- Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja (2014) is a landmark judgment on animal rights.
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