Yesterday, the Meghalaya High Court instructed the state government and the Shillong Municipal Board to take prompt action in securing a shelter for street dogs.

The division bench, comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, passed the direction while hearing a PIL involving the following issues:

1. With regard to relocation of the zoo in Shillong
2. Measures to deal with dog menace

The Court observed that the population of street dogs is rapidly increasing, creating a public nuisance. It also highlighted the significant number of dog bite incidents and deaths resulting from rabies.

The counsel representing the Shillong Municipal Board informed the Court that the municipality has implemented measures to vaccinate and sterilize the street dogs to control their population. However, it was also stated that, as of now, there is no shelter available to house these dogs.

It was highlighted that the municipality personnel capture the dogs from the road, vaccinate, sterilize them, and thereafter, they are released on the road again.

“While we appreciate this work being carried out by the Municipal Board, there is absolute need for the Board to acquire a shelter where these street dogs can be kept. We direct that immediate steps be taken in that direction by the Board with the assistance of the State government and the action taken be embodied in a report to be filed in this Court by 5th February, 2025.”

Regarding the relocation of the zoo, the Counsel for the State informed the Court that in June 2024, the zoo was moved to a new location approximately 35 kilometers from Shillong. This new facility includes, among other amenities, a veterinary hospital staffed by a qualified doctor.

The Court noted that it is satisfied with the action taken by the government to shift the zoo to a location that is more congenial to animals.

The matter is again listed on February 10, 2025.

“In the meantime, the Shillong Municipal Board shall file an action taken report with regard to street dogs post-passing of this order,” the Court added.

Case Title: Kaustav Paul v. State of Meghalaya & Ors.

Case No.: PIL No. 4/2024