The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to constitute Animal Birth Control (ABC) committees in the remaining districts of South Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills, where such panels are yet to be formed. The directive aims to strengthen the humane management of stray dogs across the state.
The order was issued on Tuesday by a division bench comprising Chief Justice I. P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by petitioner Kaustav Paul. The PIL seeks improved measures for the control and welfare of stray dogs in Meghalaya.
The state government informed the court that ABC committees have already been constituted in most districts, barring the two mentioned. Responding to this, the bench stated, “We direct listing of this public interest litigation once again on August 6, 2025, to receive further action taken report, including constitution of committees for the said two districts.”
The formation of ABC committees is mandated under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001. These committees are tasked with ensuring humane management of stray dog populations through measures such as capturing, sterilisation, vaccination, treatment, and rehabilitation in designated dog centres.
