Shillong, July 22: The Meghalaya High Court, as part of its monitoring the issue of stray dogs and following a PIL in this regard, has directed formation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) committees in South Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts.
Most districts of Meghalaya, apart from these two districts, already have AMCs in place.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the control and management of stray dogs in the state was filed by advocate Kaustav Paul while the high court had been monitoring the state’s efforts to address the issue especially concern over dog-biting cases.
The government informed the court that ABC committees had been constituted for most districts, but South Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills were yet to have such committees.
Hearing the PIL, the division bench comprising chief justice IP Mukerji and justice W Diengdoh said in its order on Tuesday, directed the government to file a further action taken report, including constitution of committees for the two districts, on August 6 this year.
Provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 permits measures to prevent and control the menace caused by stray dogs by capturing, treating, vaccinating, sterilising and rehabilitating them in dog centres.
The ABC committees are expected to play a crucial role in managing the stray dog population and preventing cruelty to animals.
