In Rajasthan, streets may soon look clearer as the High Court has ordered the removal of stray dogs and cattle from city roads. This move follows growing concerns over frequent dog bite incidents and road accidents caused by stray animals.

The order comes just after the Supreme Court directed the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR areas, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. On August 11, the Rajasthan High Court instructed that the removal of stray animals must be done with minimum physical harm to them.

The court warned that anyone stopping municipal staff from carrying out this work will face legal  action, including FIRs for obstructing public servants. A special drive will be launched to clear stray animals from public places. Immediate action has been ordered in Jodhpur  to remove strays from AIIMS Jodhpur and the district court premises, which see heavy foot traffic.

The National and State Highways Authorities have been told to patrol highways regularly to keep them free from animals and ensure smooth traffic. Municipal bodies have also been directed to provide phone numbers or email addresses for the public to report stray animal issues.

The court further said that if people want to feed stray animals due to love, care, or religious beliefs, they must do so only at shelters, cattle ponds, or gaushalas run by municipalities or private organisations. The Additional Advocate General will submit a report on the condition of dog shelters and cattle ponds before the next hearing on September 8.