Delhi High Court orders police to investigate types of pets in Dhobi Ghat area after child’s death
The Delhi High Court has asked the police to investigate the types of pets kept by residents in the Dhobi Ghat area of the city’s Tughlaq Lane. This comes in response to a father’s plea following the death of his 18-month-old daughter, allegedly mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in the vicinity.
Justice Subramonium Prasad has set a deadline for the police to submit a status report detailing the nature of pets in the area by March 19. The court had earlier issued notice on the father’s plea seeking compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the tragic death of his daughter.
During the hearing, the court emphasized the need to determine if any pet dogs were present in nearby houses where the incident occurred. Justice Prasad highlighted the importance of ruling out the possibility of a ferocious dog in the vicinity responsible for the attack on the child.
The court expressed concern over the lack of immediate intervention following the incident, which occurred during the daytime. Questions were raised regarding the absence of attention from nearby residents and the need for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Justice Prasad had previously issued notice to the Delhi government, Delhi Police, and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The court underscored the importance of responsible behavior concerning stray dog populations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The plea seeks enforcement of laws and rules to prevent tragic incidents resulting from dog bites.
The father, from an economically-marginalised community in the Tughlaq Lane area, alleges negligence by authorities in addressing concerns related to stray animals. Non-sterilization and non-vaccination are cited as contributing factors to the unregulated population of stray dogs and health hazards. The petition states the primary duty of municipal bodies is to ensure public safety by controlling stray animal populations.
