New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Expressing serious concern over the increasing number of dog-bite cases across the country, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered a series of preventive measures to curb the stray dog menace in public areas.
A three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria directed that all educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, railway stations, and similar public facilities must be enclosed with fencing to stop the entry of stray dogs. The Court stated that local civic bodies would be responsible for removing such dogs from these premises and transferring them to approved shelters after vaccination and sterilization under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
The bench further clarified that stray dogs taken from these sites must not be released back to the same locations. “Allowing the animals to return would defeat the purpose of ensuring the safety of such public places,” the order noted.
The directive came during hearings in a suo motu matter related to the growing incidents of dog attacks nationwide. While some lawyers, including senior advocates Anand Grover and Karuna Nundy, requested the court to reconsider its approach—arguing that removing dogs from one area could invite new ones—the bench maintained its decision, emphasizing public safety as the priority.
In addition to stray dogs, the Court also ordered the immediate removal of stray cattle and animals from highways and expressways, citing road safety hazards. It upheld similar directions earlier issued by the Rajasthan High Court, instructing state authorities to relocate such animals to shelters.
“All Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories must ensure strict compliance. Failure to do so will result in personal accountability,” the bench warned, asking for progress reports within eight weeks.
The ongoing case stems from a Times of India report published earlier this year about a surge in dog-bite incidents in urban areas. Since then, the Supreme Court has been monitoring the implementation of the ABC Rules across states and working toward a uniform national policy to manage stray animals.
Officials say the ruling underscores the need for a coordinated, humane, and practical strategy to balance public safety with animal welfare—a challenge that has long troubled civic administrations across India.
