Karnataka High Court expresses concern over feeding stray dogs at prominent areas
Says sympathy to animals good, but not at expense of public safety
Bangaluru: The Karnataka High Court, led by Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit, voiced their disapproval regarding caregivers feeding stray dogs next to the gate of Vidhana Soudha, a significant area in Bangalore.
The court considered a lawyer's plea, urging the proper implementation of Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules. During the hearing, the bench expressed concerns about the practice, emphasizing the need for designated feeding spots to avoid creating chaos.
“Some areas which are important areas, including for safety reasons, certain citizens enter in this area...vehicle owners come next to the gate of Vidhana Soudha in vehicles with barrels, vessels full of some material. I don’t mind showing some sympathy to animals but not at the cost of chaos created...just next to the gate of Vidhana Soudha every morning at 6.45 some people came in vehicle may be some good people with good intention, but they bring some food material in the vehicle and feed to the dogs and birds and what not, everyday feature. Is it not health hazardous? Not causing disturbance?" the Bench observed
The Chief Justice highlighted that while the intention of providing food to stray dogs is commendable, feeding them near prominent areas could inconvenience passersby and residents. He referenced guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India in March 2021, urging caregivers to identify specific feeding spots for stray animals. The court also cited a 2015 guideline that suggested those feeding street dogs should actively participate in their sterilization and vaccination.
“The common experience is that except feeding of street dogs there is no incident being reported by corporation or public body that the citizens who feed stray dogs are coming forward to assist and help the corporation or public bodies in the exercise of sterilisation or vaccination of stray dogs,” the CJ said.
The court raised concerns about the State government's lack of response in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed over a year ago. Despite seeking a final chance to reply in January, the government had not filed any response by the hearing date. The court expressed disappointment over the government's non-responsive approach and demanded a comprehensive reply, including remedial measures, within three weeks.
The court adjourned the hearing to November 15, warning that no further adjournments would be granted. It emphasized that if the government failed to file a reply, appropriate orders would be passed against the state authorities. The court stressed the importance of timely responses and instructed the government to ensure its law officers are promptly informed to avoid further delays.
The issue pertains not only to the feeding of stray dogs near Vidhana Soudha but also to other public areas, including Cubbon Park. The court highlighted the potential risks associated with feeding stray dogs in locations frequently used by schoolchildren, emphasizing the duty of citizens to ensure their activities do not pose threats to fellow citizens' safety and well-being.
"In morning hours, the internal road is used by school going children either for attending school or classes. Feeding stray dogs on undedicated locations would certainly cause some apprehension in the mind of school going children and the possibility of some stray dog rushing to school going children, cannot be ruled out...duty is cast upon such citizens to ensure that activity shall not cause hindrance or health hazard to his fellow citizens,” the Court observed.
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US rules out use of nuclear weapons against Iran
Washington DC: The White House has reportedly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, even as uncertainty continues over ongoing peace negotiations and a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches.
Issues bout a possible escalation had increased after US Vice President JD Vance said that the United States has “tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use” in dealing with Iran.
His remarks came amid rising tensions and ahead of a deadline linked to peace efforts.
The situation has attracted attention as Trump warned Iran that its “whole civilization will die tonight tonight” if an agreement is not reached by Tuesday at 8 pm.
This statement led to speculation about the possibility of extreme military measures, including a nuclear strike.
Following Vance’s comments, the White House issued a clarification distancing itself from such interpretations. In a post on X, it said, "Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons." In a later statement, it added that “only the president knows” what action will be taken regarding Iran.
Literally nothing @VP said here "implies" this, you absolute buffoons https://t.co/7JU3wXMaWX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2026
