The Calcutta High Court has sought the West Bengal government’s reply on a PIL demanding mass sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs to control rising dog-bite cases and prevent rabies outbreaks.
Introduction
The Calcutta High Court has issued notices to the Government of West Bengal regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking large-scale sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs.
The Bench observed that stray dog attacks are increasing daily and directed the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to submit detailed reports on measures taken to control the menace within four weeks.
Background of the Case
The PIL, filed by advocate Akash Sharma, highlights a sharp rise in dog-bite cases in West Bengal. According to official statistics:
2022 → 23,000 cases
2024 → 76,000 cases
This surge has created health and safety concerns, particularly for children and senior citizens.
Sharma alleged that civic authorities failed to implement the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which mandate sterilisation, vaccination, feeding stations, and shelters for stray animals.
Petitioner’s Demands
The PIL requested the State government and civic bodies to:
Launch mass sterilisation and vaccination drives across West Bengal.
Establish animal shelters to control stray dog populations.
Set up designated feeding areas to reduce human-animal conflict.
Conduct awareness programs on managing and feeding strays responsibly.
The petitioner stressed that uncontrolled stray dog growth increases the risk of rabies outbreaks, a fatal public health hazard.
Court’s Observations
The Court expressed concern about the growing number of dog-bite cases and the poor implementation of existing laws.
The Division Bench directed KMC and BMC to submit a status report within four weeks, covering:
Number of dogs sterilised and vaccinated in the last two years.
Financial support for animal birth control programmes.
Existing dog shelters and feeding stations.
Steps taken to control rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
Legal Framework
The case falls under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
These rules mandate:
Humane sterilisation and vaccination drives.
Restricting the relocation of stray dogs (except for medical treatment).
Identifying feeding stations with community involvement.
The Supreme Court of India, in Animal Welfare Board of India v. People for Elimination of Stray Troubles (2015), upheld a balanced approach — protecting human health while avoiding cruelty to stray animals.
Health and Safety Concerns
The shortage of rabies vaccines in rural areas of West Bengal has raised alarm. Experts warn that without urgent control measures, the stray dog population may trigger a public health crisis.
Urban residents in Kolkata, Bidhannagar, and other cities frequently report packs of stray dogs near schools, markets, and hospitals — heightening safety concerns.
Next Steps in the Case
The Court granted four weeks to the State and civic bodies to respond. Failure to comply could lead to binding judicial directions to enforce the ABC Rules.
The case will be heard again in the third week of September 2025.
Conclusion
The Calcutta High Court’s intervention reflects the judiciary’s growing role in balancing public health and animal welfare. The PIL may set a precedent for how civic authorities across India manage the stray dog population, ensuring both human safety and the rights of animals.
