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bad. On account of introduction of new method of sterilisation of the stray dogs and abandoning the earlier method of destruction of the dogs, instances of dog bites have shown an alarming rise and this fact was reported in the issues of Hindu and Deccan Chronicle dated 13-10-1994 and according to these reports, groups of stray dogs have been roaming freely in the public streets and they are terrifying the public who use the public streets. The petitioner claims that he has been personally witnessing stray dogs chasing scooterists and innocent children in a menacing manner on the streets, many times biting the unfortunate victims. Sometimes, the terrified scooterists and cyclists dash against one another or fall down with fright. The stray dogs, most of the times, are found fighting with one another on the roads and show their anger on the passers-by by chasing or biting them. It is impossible for the public to know whether the dog that bites them is inoculated or not. It is also claimed by the petitioner that he has not come across even a single stray dog with either any tag or mark. This has resulted in innocent, poor and middle class residents of the twin-cities becoming victims of dog bites and they are forced to run from pillar to post for painful medical treatment. It is also claimed that the Blue Cross does not have adequate staff trained in sterilising dogs.
"Alarming rise in dog-bites Thanks to Amala Akkineni and Maneka Gandhi's campaign to save the street dogs from a brutal end by the dog squad of the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH), the twin cities are facing a serious menace and there is a rapid increase in the number of cases of dog bites. The rush at the Rabies Clinic at the Institute of Preventive Medicine is a testimony to it.
The authorities at the clinic say the cases have increased in recent months -- an average of 700 dog-bite victims come to the Institute to take the anti-rabies treatment and vaccine everyday. Apart from this clinic, many other private clinics and doctors are also giving the anti-rabies injections. The Institute produces around 25 lakh doses per annum. There is an increase in the demand for the vaccine in the city and the State. However, the Institute is not able to serve the needs of other States.
 
Aug. 2183   Sept. 1933
37. In the counter it is stated that even the above figures do not reflect the correct state of affairs. It is stated that the above numbers include also the patients coming from villages for treatment and monkey bites, cat bites, pet dog bites and rat bites. It is also stated that if a pet dog has not received the anti-rabies vaccine, it is also registered as a stray dog in the Institute of Preventive Medicine. This assertion of the third respondent seems to be correct because the Director of Preventive Medicine in a statement given to the Blue Cross and also in the statement issued to the press which is reported in the issue of the Hindu dated 21-10-1994 has endorsed this position.

43. Before concluding, the grievance made by Smt. Amala Akkineni that the allegations made by the petitioner against her are scandalizing, humiliating and totally unfounded has to be considered. Smt. Jaya-shree Sarady, the learned counsel drew the attention of the Court specifically to what is stated in para 12 of the writ petition. Para 12 reads as under:

"12. I submit that the 3rd respondent has no locus standi to interfere in the affairs of the 1st respondent. It appears that the 3rd respondent society is a mere congregation of high society multi-millionaire ladies residing in posh Banjara and Jubilee Hills who have no understanding of the miseries of victims of dog bites. They only appear to be interested in publicity rather than doing any concrete work to reduce the sufferings of the victims of dog bites. The respondents appear to be more concerned about the perceived cruelty of stray dogs rather than the actual cruel acts committed by stray dogs on poor and middle class human beings who are forced to undergo painful injections by waiting in long queues as reported in the press. Many poor and ignorant people do not know the seriousness of dog bite and do not take timely treatment resulting in dangerous "hydrophobia" afflicting them. The sympathies of the respondents towards the stray dogs is not shown towards the victims of stray dogs. The respondents' sympathies appear to be misplaced which is arbitrary, quixotic and illegal."