In response to a petition seeking ₹50 lakh compensation filed by the father of a one-and-a-half-year-old girl allegedly mauled to death by stray dogs last month, the Delhi High Court has stepped in, labeling the situation as a growing menace.
Justice Subramonium Prasad issued notices to the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), the city government, and the police, demanding a status report on measures taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Attack on toddler
The tragic incident occurred in the Dhobi Ghat area of Tughlaq Lane, where the toddler was attacked by a pack of four to five dogs while she was outside her home. Concerns were raised in court regarding the territorial behavior of these dogs, attributed to feeding by individuals in vans.
Court’s response
The court emphasized that while feeding strays might seem compassionate, it inadvertently removes their instinct to find food independently, making them more aggressive and posing a risk to pedestrians.
“The problem is people are coming in the vans and feeding the dogs. Because of that dogs have become too territorial and they attack anybody. They are becoming a menace for the pedestrians,” the court said.
“Feeding strays may be good but you are taking away their capacity to go and find their food. They have nothing else to do,” added the court.
Threat posed by strays
The petitioner’s counsel highlighted the specific risk posed to children, as the dogs were being fed in a children’s park. In response, the court ordered the preservation of CCTV footage from the relevant time and directed authorities to take immediate steps to relocate the dogs.
Rahul Kanaujiya, the petitioner, argued that negligence on the part of the NDMC led to the tragic demise of his daughter, emphasizing the state’s duty to protect citizens’ lives under Article 21 of the Constitution. The plea underscores the violation of fundamental rights, specifically the right to life and personal liberty.
The court scheduled the next hearing for March 13, signaling its intent to address the issue promptly.
