Stray Dog Menace: SC Orders Fresh Measures Amidst Surge in Dog Bite Cases
The Supreme Court of India has taken decisive action to address the escalating problem of stray dogs, particularly in sensitive public areas like schools and hospitals, following a concerning rise in dog bite incidents. On Friday, November 7, 2025, a three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, issued a series of directives aimed at mitigating the risks posed by stray animals in these locations.
The court's order mandates the removal of stray dogs from key public spaces, including educational institutions, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations. These institutions must be properly fenced to prevent the entry of stray dogs. The removed animals are to be relocated to designated shelters after undergoing mandatory vaccination and sterilization, in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. A key provision of the order specifies that dogs removed from these public places cannot be released back into the same areas, preventing the recurrence of the problem.
In addition to addressing the issue in institutional areas, the Supreme Court has also directed authorities to remove stray cattle and other animals from highways and expressways, relocating them to designated shelters. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been instructed to conduct joint drives to identify stretches of highways where stray animals are frequently found.
The court has set a strict timeline for the implementation of these directives. States and Union Territories are required to identify vulnerable institutional premises within two weeks and complete physical security measures, such as fencing, within eight weeks. Local municipal bodies and Panchayats are tasked with conducting inspections every three months to ensure the absence of stray dog habitats. Furthermore, the court has warned of strict consequences for any individuals or organizations that obstruct the efforts of municipal authorities in carrying out these directives.
The Supreme Court's intervention comes in response to an "alarming rise" in dog bite incidents, particularly in institutional areas. The court had previously expressed displeasure with states and UTs over lapses in enforcing the ABC Rules. The court noted that unchecked incidents involving stray animals not only compromise public safety but also project a negative image of the country.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on January 13, 2026. The court has sought compliance status reports within eight weeks, detailing the mechanisms put in place to implement these directives. The Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories will be held personally responsible for ensuring strict compliance with the orders.
This order is a significant step towards addressing the stray dog menace in India, balancing public safety concerns with animal welfare considerations. The court's emphasis on relocation to shelters after sterilization and vaccination aligns with the ABC Rules, 2023, while also addressing the immediate need to protect vulnerable populations in schools, hospitals, and other public spaces.
