The top court once again expressed concern over the rising cases of stray dog bites in the country. The court highlighted that cases coming from hospitals, educational institutions, transport hubs, and public places are a grave problem that shows lapses on the part of authorities.
The Supreme Court henceforth ordered authorities to immediately remove dogs from the premises of hospitals, educational institutions, transport stations, sports complexes, and other public places across all states and Union territories. The dogs should be put into designated shelters as per the court, in accordance with the ABC rules for sterilisation and vaccination under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960.
The bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, N.V. Anjaria, and Sandeep Mehta has stated that the rising cases have shown a “disturbing increase” and hence the dogs must be removed and not released in the same localities. In the Suo Moto hearing, the court said that stray dog management should be in compliance with existing laws and policies.
During the ruling, it was also emphasised that the local authorities have the foremost duty and responsibility of removing the dogs from the mentioned premises and also submit a report of their action within a period of eight weeks. The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on 13 January 2026. The local authorities are also ordered to ensure proper fencing, gates, and walls around the premises of institutions to avoid any contact between humans and stray dogs.
Stricter guidelines have been prescribed to state governments, which are asked by the court to survey within two weeks to confirm that the canines are removed from all public and private institutions. Other recommendations include the designation of a nodal officer for surveillance and upkeep of the premises of the institutions. An inspection after every three months has also been mandated in and around the institutions to ensure that there are no canines in the vicinity of the institutions.
The bench has cautioned on taking the responsibility seriously, else the concerned officers will be held accountable. The ruling was also based on senior advocate Gaurav Aggrawal’s report, who was assisting the court as Amicus Curiae. He highlighted that there was a grave lack of efficiency and lapses even after the court’s earlier order regarding stray dogs on August 22.
