The Delhi High Court has turned its attention to the growing concern over stray dogs in the city, particularly after a heart-wrenching incident where an 18-month-old girl was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in the Tughlaq Lane area. The court’s intervention underscores the urgent need for effective management and control of stray animals to prevent such tragic incidents.
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Justice Subramonium Prasad of the Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Delhi Government, Delhi Police, and North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) in response to a plea filed by the victim’s father, Rahul Kanaujiya, seeking compensation of Rs. 50 lakhs. The case has been listed for hearing on March 13, highlighting the court’s prompt response to the grave situation.
During the proceedings, the court remarked on the problematic behavior of stray dogs, exacerbated by individuals feeding them, making the animals “too territorial and attack anyone who comes there.” The court emphasized,
“They are becoming a menace for pedestrians and feeding stray dogs is something people need to look at.”
The plea sheds light on the harrowing ordeal faced by Rahul Kanaujiya, a resident of Dhobi Ghat in the Tuglak Lane area, who belongs to an economically marginalized community. His daughter, Divanshi Kanaujiya, was tragically attacked and killed by violent and aggressive stray dogs. The plea argues that despite previous court directions and government guidelines, the menace persists, largely due to the failure in implementing the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, and controlling the stray dog population.
Kanaujiya’s plea also highlights the lack of action from local authorities, despite repeated complaints and concerns raised by residents about the danger posed by aggressive and unsterilized dogs. The plea demands that the authorities take necessary steps to capture, treat, and manage violent and ferocious dogs to ensure public safety.
The case brought before the Delhi High Court by Kanaujiya not only seeks justice and compensation for the loss of his daughter but also calls for a systemic change in how stray animals are managed in urban areas. The incident has sparked a broader discussion on the responsibilities of municipal bodies, law enforcement, and the community in ensuring safe public spaces free from the menace of aggressive and unregulated stray animals.
As the court awaits responses from the concerned authorities, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting animal control and public safety measures. The Delhi High Court’s ongoing proceedings and future decisions in this case will be closely watched, as they are expected to have significant implications for the management of stray animals and the safety of pedestrians in the city.
The community and authorities are urged to collaborate in addressing the issue, ensuring the implementation of existing laws and regulations, and fostering a safer environment for all residents, especially the most vulnerable. The tragic loss of young Divanshi Kanaujiya has brought to light the urgent need for action and reform in the management of stray dogs in urban settings.
Case title- Rahul Kanaujiya v Govt of NCT of Delhi & Ors
