Supreme Court Orders Removal of Stray Dogs from Schools, Hospitals, and Public Places Amid Alarming Rise in Dog Bite Cases

Supreme Court Orders Removal of Stray Dogs from Schools, Hospitals, and Public Places Amid Alarming Rise in Dog Bite Cases

New Delhi, November 6, 2025:
In response to the increasing number of dog bite incidents reported across the country, the Supreme Court has issued a significant directive ordering local authorities to remove stray dogs from sensitive public areas such as schools, hospitals, bus stands, and marketplaces. The move aims to ensure public safety and address growing public concern over the surge in attacks.

A bench led by Justice [Name Placeholder] observed that while animal rights must be respected, the safety and well-being of citizens—particularly children and the elderly—must take precedence. The court noted that the escalating frequency of dog bite cases has caused fear and distress in several communities, especially in urban areas.

“No child should have to fear going to school or walking in a public park. It is the duty of local bodies to maintain safe public spaces,” the bench stated during the hearing.

 

Local Bodies Directed to Act Promptly

The apex court has directed municipal corporations and panchayats to take immediate steps to identify, capture, and relocate stray dogs from designated zones. Authorities have also been instructed to coordinate with animal welfare organizations to ensure that the process is conducted humanely, following the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules and other statutory guidelines.

The court emphasized that the removal must not lead to cruelty or indiscriminate culling, reiterating that stray dogs are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Instead, they are to be relocated to animal shelters or rehabilitation centers, where they can receive proper care and sterilization.

Rising Concern Across India

Reports from several states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, indicate a sharp increase in dog bite incidents over the past year. According to data from local health departments, thousands of people have been hospitalized due to severe injuries, and a few fatal cases have also been recorded.

Public outrage has been mounting, with parents and civic groups demanding stricter measures to control the stray dog population. Social media has been flooded with videos and accounts of unprovoked attacks, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.

Balancing Safety and Compassion

Animal rights groups, however, have urged caution, emphasizing the importance of ethical and sustainable population control through sterilization and vaccination drives rather than mass removal or euthanasia. Experts argue that community-based dog management—involving feeding zones, regular vaccination, and sterilization—remains the most effective long-term solution.

The Supreme Court acknowledged these concerns, asserting that its order should not be seen as anti-animal but as a protective measure for vulnerable citizens.

Next Steps

The Court has sought a compliance report within four weeks from all state and union territory governments, detailing actions taken to implement the directive. It also urged the Centre to consider a nationwide policy for stray dog management, integrating public safety, animal welfare, and effective local governance.

As the debate over stray dog management intensifies, the Supreme Court’s decision marks a turning point—one that seeks to strike a delicate balance between human safety and humane treatment of animals.