Bombay HC Orders Maharashtra To Implement ABC Programme

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to aggressively implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme to control the growing stray dog population in the state.

The court's directive came during a hearing of a suo motu petition initiated following directions from the Supreme Court to monitor the stray dog menace and dog-bite incidents in Maharashtra.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad was hearing the petition and emphasized the need for large-scale sterilization of stray dogs to prevent further growth of their population.

The court observed that if the ABC programme is implemented aggressively, there will be no growth of stray dogs, and the problem of dog attacks and rabies can be addressed at its source.

The bench directed the authorities to focus on sterilizing adult dogs rather than merely trying to catch an increasing number of stray animals.

The court also sought details on the frequency with which data relating to rabies cases, medicines, and other relevant information is updated on the State government's website.

The Maharashtra government has been directed to place updated information and compliance details before the court at each hearing.

The Supreme Court had earlier directed High Courts to take up the issue of stray dog menace after observing that poor implementation of the ABC framework was a concern.

The apex court had warned that the state cannot remain a passive spectator as citizens face the constant threat of dog attacks.

The Bombay High Court's directive is a significant step towards addressing the growing problem of stray dog population in Maharashtra.

The implementation of the ABC programme is expected to help prevent dog attacks and rabies, and ensure the welfare of both humans and animals in the state.

The court's emphasis on continued monitoring of the issue is also crucial in ensuring that the problem is addressed effectively.

The Maharashtra government must now take concrete steps to implement the ABC programme aggressively and provide updated information to the court on the progress made.

This will help to prevent the growth of stray dog population and address the problem of dog attacks and rabies in the state.

The court's directive is a welcome move, and its implementation will have a significant impact on the welfare of citizens and animals in Maharashtra.