Stray dogs & Human – dog conflict – Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 – Petitions against the animal lover who kept stray dogs in his house – Nuisance to the residents.

English proverb “Barking dogs seldom bite” may not be correct in thickly populated residential area of several houses within short distance in Muzhathadam Ward in Kannur District of Kerala.  The residents of said ward had filed two writ petitions against the activities of animal lover respondent no.5.   The grievance is that the takes care of stray dogs injured in the street, in his house.   He has kept several dogs in his house causing mani-fold nuisance to the neighbours and residents as described in para 4 of the judgment.  

In para 11 of the judgment, the salient features of 2023 Rules are delineated showing that a duty to the local self government authorities to keep an eye on the stray dogs.   Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.  Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 published by the Notification dated 10.3.2023.

 It was noted that if any action is taken against the stray dogs the dog lovers will come and fight for them.  However, the human beings should be given more preference than stray dogs.   The respondent no.5 animal lover should also be aware of the concerns of the petitioners who are his neighbours.  They are not against the dogs but they are worried because of the nuisance.   Respondent no.5 was allowed to file an application for licence to keep stray dogs in his property and the Corporation to consider the same.

Judgment dated 29.2.2024 in W.P.[C] No.22330 of 2017 of T.M.Irshad and others  Vs. The State of Kerala and other