Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 17: Mr. Rakeshwar Lall, State President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, has urged the Administration of Andaman & Nicobar Islands to take immediate action following the Supreme Court’s judgment on August 11, 2025, in the suo motu case In Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price. The Court’s ruling mandates the permanent removal of stray dogs from public spaces and their relocation to government-approved shelters within six to eight weeks. The decision comes in response to growing concerns over dog attacks, particularly on children, and the increasing risk of rabies.
Mr. Lall highlighted the issue in the Islands, where stray dog populations are creating public safety risks in key areas including Carbyn’s Cove Beach, Marina Park, JNRM, Flag Point, Dollygunj, and Bathu Basti. He called on the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to align with the Court’s order by ensuring the establishment of proper shelter facilities and a task force to oversee the humane capture and relocation of strays.
The Court’s judgment overturns the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which previously allowed the release of sterilized dogs back into the community. It emphasized that sterilized dogs still contribute to territorial aggression and public risk. Mr. Lall urged the Administration to implement a structured approach involving sterilization, vaccination, and permanent sheltering for strays, which would mitigate health and safety risks without resorting to culling.
Mr. Lall has requested the Lt. Governor, Chief Secretary, and Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman to initiate the following actions: form a task force with local municipalities and animal welfare NGOs, allocate funds for shelter construction, and launch public awareness campaigns to inform the public about the new directives. He further emphasized that public safety must be prioritized in accordance with constitutional protections under Article 21, while still ensuring humane treatment of animals.
