The Rajasthan High Court has ordered all civic bodies to conduct a special drive to remove stray animals from all public places, including city roads and highways. The directive, issued on Monday, August 11, 2025, aims to address the increasing incidents of attacks and fatalities involving stray animals, mainly dogs and cattle, across Rajasthan.

A division bench of Justices Kuldeep Mathur and Ravi Chirania mandated that the municipal bodies ensure minimal harm to the animals during the removal process. The court has also empowered municipal officials and employees to take strict action, including filing First Information Reports (FIRs), against individuals or groups obstructing them from performing their duties.

The High Court made it clear that if citizens wish to feed or care for stray animals due to their sentiments, religious beliefs, or love for animals, they should do so at designated dog shelters, cattle ponds (Gaushalas) or shelters run by private entities. The court stated that public safety is paramount and expects the general public to express their sentiments towards animals in designated shelters, not on public roads.

The court has directed the Additional Advocate General to file a detailed report by September 8, 2025, regarding the condition and maintenance of the dog shelters and cattle ponds/Gaushalas managed by the municipal corporations. The report should also indicate the manpower available with each corporation for this task, including the number of doctors and supporting staff appointed at the shelters to take care of the animals. The court also sought details on provisions for separating different species, such as feline animals and stressed the need to improve shelter facilities to humanely manage the relocated animals.

In addition to directing municipal bodies, the High Court has also instructed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the State Highways Authority to conduct regular patrolling on highways to remove stray animals and ensure smooth vehicular movement.

To ensure effective implementation of the order, the court has directed the municipal bodies to publicize a telephone number and an email ID where citizens can lodge complaints regarding stray animals.

The Jodhpur Municipal Corporation has been specifically directed to immediately remove stray animals from the premises of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, and the District Court premises on priority basis.

The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of the issue on July 31, following news reports of attacks by stray dogs. The court observed that stray dogs and cows have created a menace not only on city roads but also on state and national highways, making these roads highly unsafe for citizens. The court also noted that the increasing incidents of attacks by stray animals are not only causing danger to human lives but also spoiling the image of the state, which attracts tourists from all over the country and the globe.