Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has expressed satisfaction with the state government’s efforts in tackling the menace of stray dogs across the state.
During a hearing on Wednesday (August 6), the court noted that “substantial action has been taken by the Meghalaya government” to address the issue.
“We are happy to note from a report filed in Court today that substantial action has been taken by the government in relation to the said menace of stray dogs,” the court order stated.
The court, comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, acknowledged several measures undertaken by the government.
According to a government report submitted to the court, committees have been established in all districts, including South Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills, to enforce the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001.
“Committees under provisions of Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 have been constituted in all the districts, including South Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills,” it stated.
Citing the government report, the court said, “It appears from the report and from the submissions of learned Additional Advocate General that awareness camps have been set up by the government, drives to vaccinate stray dogs against rabies, to sterilise and castrate them and keep them in shelters as far as practicable so as to segregate them from the people have been undertaken. The registration of pet dogs is also being carried out.”
The case stems from ongoing concerns about stray dog attacks and rabies transmission risks to residents. The court has been monitoring the implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, to ensure effective population control measures.
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The petitioner, Kaustav Paul, has been given until August 25, 2025, to submit an affidavit in response to the government’s report. The court will hear the matter again on August 28, 2025.
