Overview
- Reiterating its stance, the bench said strays are to be managed under the Animal Birth Control Rules and not removed en masse from streets, with its earlier exception for sensitive premises under reconsideration.
- The court refused to watch selective videos on alleged cruelty, warning against a “video vs video” contest, and declined omnibus directions on feeder harassment, telling complainants to file FIRs.
- Justices flagged persistent non‑compliance by municipal bodies and missing state affidavits, even as the National Highways Authority reported an SOP for vulnerable stretches.
- In observations on safety, the bench noted recent animal‑related road accidents involving judges and remarked that dogs can detect fear or prior bites, which can trigger attacks.
- Counsel highlighted massive logistical gaps—estimates of up to Rs 26,800 crore and tens of thousands of shelters with only 66 accredited ABC centres—while the bench questioned impractical ideas, including colour‑coded collars, and criticised Sharmila Tagore’s submissions as removed from reality.