The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to modify its earlier directions ordering States and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from crowded public places such as schools, hospitals, railway stations, bus depots, and sports complexes. The court clarified that stray dogs captured from these locations cannot be released back into the same areas even after sterilisation. The Bench observed that rising dog-bite incidents across the country had become a serious public safety concern, especially for children, elderly citizens, and travellers.

A three-judge Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria said States had failed to properly strengthen sterilisation and vaccination infrastructure under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The court stated that poor planning and weak implementation by authorities had allowed the situation to become “alarming.” Referring to official figures, the Bench noted that thousands of dog-bite cases were being reported from different States, including over two lakh incidents in Tamil Nadu within the first four months of the year alone.

The Supreme Court also allowed authorities to take legally permitted measures, including euthanasia in cases involving rabid or dangerous dogs posing a threat to human life. Additionally, the court warned that any failure by States to implement its orders could lead to contempt proceedings, disciplinary action, and legal liability. High Courts across the country have now been directed to monitor compliance, while State Chief Secretaries must submit status reports on the steps being taken to control the stray dog crisis and improve public safety.