The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice B.R. Gavai by advocate Nanita Sharma, representing an NGO. She highlighted the existence of conflicting orders from two different benches of the Supreme Court and requested clarification.During the August 14 hearing, the court expressed strong disapproval of the inaction by local authorities, stating: “The government has done nothing. The local bodies have done nothing. Everyone filing interventions here must take responsibility.”Despite hearing these arguments, the court did not stay the August 11 order, which had directed civic authorities in Delhi-NCR to begin removing stray dogs from all localities within eight weeks and to house them in dedicated shelters.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, submitted data showing that approximately 3.7 million dog bite cases occur in India each year, equating to about 10,000 daily.He also cited World Health Organization (WHO) statistics indicating that 20,000 rabies-related deaths happen annually.Mehta argued that even if dogs are immunised, they can still pose a threat, particularly to children and highlighted how children are increasingly unable to play outdoors due to stray dog populations.He clarified that the government was not advocating killing stray dogs, but rather separating them from residential areas for public safety.Earlier in the hearing, the court slammed the MCD for its failure to implement laws and policies.“Parliament frames laws, but they are not implemented. On one hand, people are suffering; on the other hand, animal lovers are objecting. All those filing interventions must submit affidavits and evidence,” the bench had stated.
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