KATHMANDU: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court demanding that the government ensure animal rights and protect them.

Sneha Shrestha, Chairperson of Sneha's Care, has filed the writ petition at the apex court seeking mandamus or any other appropriate decree pursuant to the Article 133(2) of the Constitution.

Shrestha said the writ was in response to increasing number of cattle including dogs straying on the streets, which often obstruct traffic movement.

The Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers; the Legislature Parliament Secretariat; the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development; the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ministry of Agricultural Development have been made defendants in the case.

Meanwhile, after postponing the hearing for three times, the Court held the first hearing on the writ on Monday. The Court has issued a show cause notice in the name of defendants.

In the petition, Shrestha has sought formulation of proper laws to ensure rights of animals to co-exist with the humans in a dignified manner.

In her writ, she has urged the government to stop the sacrifice of animals in the name of god and culture in festivals and events.

She has also pitched the argument for stopping cruelty against the animals including activities like torturing them, pelting stones and attacking them with acids.

Shrestha has been working for animal rights and their protection for over five years. At present, the Sneha's Care protects approximately 70 unclaimed, sick and wounded dogs.

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