People not able to go for morning walks because of stray dogs: Gujarat HC

Ahmedabad: Acting Chief Justice A J Desai of the Gujarat High Court expressed concern on Monday that stray dogs are making it difficult for citizens to go for morning walks. This was during a hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2020 by advocate Kirtikumar Bhatt, who demanded that the police take action to control the increasing problem for the safety of citizens.

The PIL has been pending for three years because the issue is before the Supreme Court, which has prohibited high courts from giving directions in the matter.

During the hearing, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s counsel argued that the civic body is just a formal party. However, the bench of Justice Desai and Justice Biren Vaishnav was apprised of this submission.

Pointing out that the AMC has the responsibility to curb stray dog menace and said, “Don’t say that you (AMC) are a formal party. You are the main party.”

After discussing it with the bench Justice Desai told AMC Lawyer, “Some persons are unable to go for morning walks because of these stray dogs,” to which a senior counsel said, “You cannot go for a morning walk unless you have a dog.”

Despite the stay imposed by the Supreme Court, the HC adjourned the hearing until April 17. DeshGujarat