The debate surrounding stray dogs in India has reached a critical juncture, as the Supreme Court considers imposing stricter liabilities on states and dog feeders for attacks. The issue is complex, pitting animal rights against public safety and revealing failures in governance and implementation of existing laws.
India accounts for a significant portion of global rabies deaths, with estimates ranging from 18,000 to 20,000 annually. Recent data indicates a concerning number of dog bite cases across the country. For instance, Delhi recorded 68,090 cases in 2024 and 26,334 in the first seven months of 2025. Ludhiana reported a five-year high of 13,728 dog bite incidents in 2025. These numbers underscore the urgency of addressing the stray dog issue.
The legal framework in India aims to protect both animals and citizens. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 (PCA Act) and the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules of 2001 emphasize sterilization and vaccination as humane methods of population control. These rules mandate that stray dogs be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to their original locations. Killing, maiming, or poisoning animals is punishable under the Indian Penal Code. Abandoning an animal is also a punishable offense under the PCA Act.
However, the implementation of these laws faces numerous challenges. The Supreme Court has expressed frustration with the poor compliance of states and union territories with court orders to control the crisis. Many municipalities and animal welfare organizations lack the financial resources, trained personnel, and access to veterinary services needed for effective sterilization and vaccination programs.
The Supreme Court has taken note of the rising number of attacks and indicated it may impose "heavy" liabilities on states for dog bites and deaths. The court has also suggested that individuals who feed stray dogs could be held legally accountable if their actions lead to attacks. This has sparked debate, with animal welfare advocates arguing for compassionate management and public health experts emphasizing the need for public safety.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) program is a central government initiative that focuses on sterilization and vaccination. Financial assistance is available for sterilization programs and anti-rabies vaccines. The ABC Rules of 2023 place responsibility on local bodies to implement sterilization and vaccination programs in collaboration with animal welfare organizations. However, some argue that the current rules are insufficient to address the problem of dog bites.
Despite the challenges, some cities have shown success in managing stray dog populations. Lucknow, for example, has been praised for its public-private partnership that has led to a high rate of sterilization and a reduction in human-animal conflict. The "Lucknow Model" involves engaging with communities, conducting awareness sessions, and adhering to the ABC Rules against relocation.
Experts warn against mass removal of stray dogs, arguing that it could undermine public health, destabilize urban ecosystems, and lead to increased dog-bite incidents. They emphasize that free-living dogs play a role in urban ecosystems by scavenging waste and limiting the proliferation of rodents. Mass removal can disrupt stable social groups and create territorial vacuums that are quickly filled by other dogs, often unvaccinated and unsterilized.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to continue hearing the stray dogs case, and a Law Commission official stated that the Supreme Court has adopted a "balanced approach" in its directions on the stray dogs issue. The court's decisions will likely have a significant impact on the future of stray dog management in India, balancing animal welfare with the safety and concerns of its citizens.
