The Supreme Court of India on Friday ordered all states and Union territories (UTs) to ensure the removal of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots, and railway stations, stressing that these animals must not be released back into such areas after sterilisation.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria said allowing the dogs to return would “frustrate the very purpose” of securing public spaces and addressing safety concerns.
“They will not be released back in the same area since releasing them back will frustrate the very purpose of the directive of the court,” Justice Mehta read from the operative portion of the order.
The detailed judgment will be released soon.
States Told to Identify Sensitive Premises Within Two Weeks
The court directed all states and UTs to identify government and private schools, colleges, medical institutions, public transport hubs and sports facilities within two weeks, and to secure these areas within eight weeks, preferably through boundary walls.
A nodal officer must be appointed for each identified premise to oversee safety and stray management, while local municipal authorities and panchayats have been asked to conduct regular inspections for at least three months and submit reports to the court.
ALSO READ: VIDEO | Brazilian influencer Larissa reacts after Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote chori’ allegation
The court also directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other road-owning agencies to remove stray cattle and animals from highways and ensure they are sheltered safely.
These directions, the court said, would be incorporated along with suggestions by senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal, the amicus curiae assisting the bench.
Court Cites Non-Compliance with ABC Rules
The order follows weeks of hearings where the bench criticised states for non-compliance with its earlier directions under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
The bench had earlier noted that several government employees were feeding stray dogs inside offices and institutions despite its earlier orders to feed animals only in designated areas away from public movement.
“We will be issuing directions with respect to government institutions and PSUs where employees are feeding and encouraging stray dogs,” the bench had observed.
At a hearing on November 3, the court had summoned the chief secretaries of most states and UTs for failing to submit compliance reports. Only West Bengal, Telangana, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi had filed the required affidavits.
The suo motu case was initiated in July 2025 after a spike in dog-bite incidents, many involving children. While the court has emphasised humane treatment through the catch-neuter-vaccinate-release (CNVR) model, it also underscored that public safety cannot be compromised.
“There is no respect for the court’s orders. Let them come and explain,” the bench remarked in an earlier hearing.
Exception Created for High-Footfall Areas
In August, the bench had permitted the release of sterilised dogs back to their localities as per ABC Rules, except in cases involving rabid or aggressive animals.
However, Friday’s order creates a clear exception for sensitive, high-footfall areas such as schools, hospitals, bus depots, railway stations, and sports complexes, where release will now be strictly prohibited.
The court said that while a balance between humane animal management and public safety must be maintained, institutional premises require stricter control.
The matter will be listed again after compliance reports are filed.
