Meghalaya HC directs Govt to constitute Animal Birth Control committees

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 22, 2025

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the State government to constitute Animal Birth Control (ABC) committees for the districts of South Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills. 

The court’s direction came in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) case concerning the control and management of stray dogs in the State.

The PIL was filed by Kaustav Paul, and the court had been monitoring the State’s efforts to address the issue of stray dogs. 

The State government had informed the court that ABC committees had been constituted for most districts, but two districts, namely South Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills, were yet to have such committees.

The court has directed the State government to file a further action taken report, including the constitution of committees for the two districts, on August 6, 2025. 

“We direct listing of this public interest litigation once again on 6th August, 2025 to receive further action taken report, including constitution of committees for the said two districts,” the division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh said in an order passed on Tuesday (July 22).

The purpose of taking action under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 is to prevent and control the menace caused by stray dogs by capturing, treating, vaccinating, sterilizing 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.