The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious note of the alarming rise in dog bite incidents across India, particularly in Haryana, and has directed the Animal Welfare Board of Haryana to investigate the matter and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks. This directive comes in response to a complaint highlighting the failure of state governments to effectively address the stray dog menace and ensure public safety.
The issue gained attention following a news report based on data provided by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in the Lok Sabha. The data revealed that a staggering 21.95 lakh dog bite cases were reported in 2024, with 5 lakh victims being children and 37 fatalities recorded. These figures underscore the severity of the problem and the urgent need for intervention.
The complaint was filed by Anubhav Shrivastava Shahai, who pointed out the complete failure of state governments to control the stray dog population. He criticized the authorities for irregular sterilization drives, inadequate infrastructure to implement Animal Birth Control (ABC) guidelines, and the lack of animal shelter homes to house aggressive and ferocious dogs as per the 2023 ABC guidelines.
Shahai emphasized that the absence of proper monitoring committees at the central, state, and local levels had exacerbated the situation. He stated that the stray dog population was increasing unchecked, posing a significant threat to citizens, especially children, and urged the authorities to act immediately to ensure public safety.
Taking cognizance of the complaint, NHRC Assistant Registrar (Law) Brijveer Singh issued a directive to the Chairman of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) in Faridabad, Haryana. “Let the complaint be transmitted to the Chairman, Animal Welfare Board of India, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Faridabad, Haryana, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint looked into and to submit an Action Taken Report within four weeks for perusal of the Commission,” the order stated.
The NHRC also instructed that a copy of the complaint be sent as an annexure for necessary action and requested the ATR to be submitted within four weeks from the date of receipt of the letter.
The complaint has brought to light the urgent need for effective stray dog management and the implementation of ABC guidelines. Shahai urged the government to take immediate steps, including:
- Strengthening sterilization programs.
- Establishing adequate animal shelter homes.
- Ensuring the proper functioning of monitoring committees at all levels.
The NHRC’s intervention highlights the gravity of the issue and the need for coordinated efforts between the central and state governments to address the stray dog menace and safeguard public health.
The Animal Welfare Board of Haryana is now tasked with investigating the allegations and submitting a detailed report to the NHRC within the stipulated timeframe. The findings of this investigation could pave the way for stricter enforcement of ABC guidelines and better infrastructure to manage the stray dog population.
(With inputs from Bar and Bench)