Supreme Court Takes Strict Stand on Stray Dogs, Dog Lovers’ Petition Dismissed

The Supreme Court has refused to modify its earlier order regarding stray dogs in public places, making it clear that the 2025 directive will continue to remain in force across the country. The court dismissed all petitions filed by dog lovers and animal welfare groups that sought changes to the previous instructions related to the relocation and sterilisation of stray dogs. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria delivered the verdict while hearing multiple petitions connected to the growing stray dog issue in India. The apex court stated that stray dogs can continue to be removed from sensitive public areas such as schools, colleges, hospitals, railway stations, bus stands, and airports in the interest of public safety and health. The court also rejected applications filed by the Animal Welfare Board and other organisations that had requested a review or withdrawal of the November 7, 2025 order. With this decision, the earlier direction issued by the Supreme Court remains fully effective. Last year, the court had instructed authorities to capture stray dogs roaming on streets and shift them to shelter homes while ensuring proper sterilisation and animal birth control measures. During the hearing, the Supreme Court expressed serious concern over the increasing number of dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths reported across the country. The bench observed that the issue had become a matter of public health and safety. The judges referred to alarming figures from several districts of Rajasthan, including Ganganagar, Sikar, Udaipur, and Bhilwara, where dog bite cases have risen sharply. Similar reports were also highlighted from states like Tamil Nadu. The court further noted that even Delhi’s IGI Airport had recorded 31 dog bite incidents since January, including cases involving foreign tourists. According to the bench, these incidents show the urgent need for effective action by state governments and local authorities. At the same time, the Supreme Court directed states to properly implement animal birth control programmes and ensure humane handling of stray dogs. While maintaining its strict stand on public safety, the court emphasized that authorities must follow legal procedures while relocating stray animals. The latest ruling is being viewed as a major decision in the ongoing debate between public safety concerns and animal welfare rights. By refusing to alter its earlier order, the Supreme Court has signaled that protecting citizens from stray dog attacks and rabies remains a top priority.