NHRC has once again pitched the animal rights vs human rights debate over yet another incident of a dog reportedly biting a newborn to death at West Delhi's Uttam Nagar area, even as it awaits the city government's reply to its earlier notice in this regard.
Notices have been issued to the Commissioner of South Delhi Municipal Corporation and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Delhi) taking suo motu cognizance of the incident that took place on August 21, calling for a report within two weeks.
The SDMC Commissioner has also been directed to submit a report on the steps taken for the protection of residents from the menace of stray dogs.
According to reports, stray dogs had picked up a newborn lying on the road in Hastsal area following which locals informed the Police Control Room.
"By the time police reached the spot, the child had already expired. The police took the body for post-mortem and investigations were on," the Commission said.
Earlier, notices had been issued to Delhi Chief Secretary and Union Health Ministry Secretary in the wake of a fatal attack on a seven-year-old boy by a pack of street dogs in South Delhi's Jamia Nagar on August 13.
"While the measure of sterilisation may help contain the increase in the dog population, it does not save or shield people from the bites of existing dogs. It looks like a 'Human Rights' versus 'Animal Rights' battle. This is not a problem of Delhi alone.
"...Prima facie, it is of the view that human rights should weigh above animal rights in a situation where human lives are at risk due to attack by animals," the commission had observed.
