The Supreme Court rejected requests to change its November 2025 order, which requires all states and union territories in India to remove stray dogs from public areas like schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots, and railway stations. The court emphasized that the right to live with dignity includes protection from the threat of dog bites, which have affected children, elderly people, and international travelers.
The bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria stated that the Constitution does not allow a society where vulnerable groups must rely on others’ mercy for safety. They highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that repeated incidents reflect failures in implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The court urged states and union territories to work together to improve infrastructure and address the stray dog problem effectively. Officials who fail to follow these instructions could face contempt charges or disciplinary action. The order was part of the court’s own initiative to create a national framework for managing stray dogs and ensuring compliance with existing laws.
In January, the court had expressed dissatisfaction with how Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu were implementing its November 2025 directions. The current ruling reinforces the need for strict adherence to the guidelines.