NT Reporter | Panaji
The Goa Animal Federation (GAF) has issued a statement to clarify what it describes as “misinterpretations” of the Supreme Court’s order issued on November 7 regarding the management of community dogs.
In a press briefing, GAF’s vice-president Prakash Kamat said that Part III of the Supreme Court’s order specifically applies to four categories of institutions: schools/colleges, hospitals, railway and bus stations, and sports complexes.
“The order is not applicable to any other institutions or public areas,” Kamat said. “In gated complexes, societies, markets, and other public spaces or buildings, community dogs will continue to be managed in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 (ABC 2023), as laid out by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).”
Kamat further dispelled claims that the Supreme Court’s ruling prohibits the feeding of community dogs. He stressed that the order does not ban feeding in schools, colleges, hospitals, railway/bus stations, or sports complexes. “Feeding of community dogs will continue across India, as per Rule 20 of the ABC 2023,” he said.
Dexter Braganza, honorary executive secretary of the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, clarified that any cruelty to animals or harassment of feeders remains a criminal offence. He said that Part IV (E) of the Supreme Court’s order mandates that dogs must be sterilised and vaccinated before being relocated to designated shelters.
However, GAF member Sweta Sardessai raised concerns about the lack of long-term shelters or sanctuaries for dogs in India. “Currently, no adequate long-term shelters exist for community dogs,” Sardessai said. “The AWBI must first issue comprehensive guidelines, in line with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA), before establishing such shelters.”
Sardessai warned that without proper infrastructure, relocating community dogs to existing shelters could violate the provisions of the PCA Act.
The GAF has called on both the public and the media to present the Supreme Court order accurately, urging that it be understood in the proper context to avoid further confusion. The Federation reiterated its commitment to ensuring that community animals are treated humanely and in accordance with the law.
