Why in news
The Supreme Court concluded a 15-year-old case, (Animal Welfare Board of India & Anr Versus People for Elimination of Stray Troubles & Ors, also known as the All India Stray Dogs case or AWBI vs PEST) affirming that indiscriminate killing of stray dogs is prohibited.
The case highlighted a conflict between State/municipal laws allowing culling and Central laws prohibiting it.
Supreme Court's ruling
The Court upheld the Central laws (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023) mandating sterilisation instead of killing.
The ruling supports sterilisation as the humane and effective method for controlling stray dog populations, based on scientific evidence.
The Court emphasized compassion for animals as a Constitutional value and duty under Article 51A(g).
Article 51A(g) : It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures
Supreme Court also stated that any parties with issues regarding these new laws can challenge them in the relevant High Courts.
In the meantime, the governing law of the land remains the Central law (PCA Act 1960 and ABC Rules, 2023), which prohibits the killing of stray dogs by local authorities or municipalities
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