Supreme Court Pulls Up States Over Stray Dog Attacks
The Supreme Court of India on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the alarming rise in stray dog attacks across several states and directed Chief Secretaries to submit updated reports on sterilization drives and public safety measures.
Hearing a clutch of petitions filed by civic bodies and animal rights groups, the bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta said the situation had become “unacceptable and dangerous for public safety.”
“Citizens cannot live in fear of stray dogs while walking on streets. At the same time, animal rights must also be protected. States have failed to maintain this balance,” the bench observed.
Chief Secretaries Tender Apologies
During the hearing, Chief Secretaries from Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh tendered unconditional apologies for failing to comply with earlier directions on mass sterilization and feeding regulations.
The Court noted that despite multiple orders since 2016, there had been “gross negligence” in implementing the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, which mandate humane sterilization, vaccination, and proper feeding zones.
“This is not just a municipal issue but a public safety concern,” the Court remarked, warning that non-compliance would invite personal accountability of senior officers.
The Scale of the Problem
According to government data, India has over 1.8 crore stray dogs, with over 1.2 lakh bite incidents reported annually. States like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi are among the worst affected.
Animal welfare organizations argue that poor implementation and lack of coordination between local bodies and animal boards have worsened the crisis.
“The Court’s intervention is crucial. We need a national sterilization grid and awareness programs to manage stray populations ethically,” said Meera Menon, an activist from the Animal Care Alliance.
Court’s Balancing Approach
The Supreme Court reiterated that feeding stray dogs is not a crime, but must be done responsibly and at designated locations. It said no citizen should take the law into their own hands against animals.
“We want a humane solution, not vigilantism. Compassion and control must coexist,” the bench said, emphasizing community participation in sterilization and vaccination drives.
The Court also directed civic bodies to ensure safe waste disposal, one of the major causes attracting strays to urban areas.
Final Order on November 7
The bench reserved its final judgment for November 7, saying it would lay down clear national guidelines to harmonize public safety with animal rights.
The order is expected to address:
Implementation roadmap for Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023
Funding and monitoring of sterilization programs
Accountability of municipal and state authorities
Legal framework for feeding and sheltering zones
Public and Legal Reactions
The hearing sparked renewed debate on social media and among legal experts.
While many citizens demanded stricter action, animal rights groups urged for a balanced, compassionate policy.
“This is a chance to reform how India treats its street animals — with dignity, but also with discipline,” said Advocate Raghav Sharma, who represented an animal NGO.
Key Takeaways
Supreme Court expresses anger over stray dog menace.
Chief Secretaries of Kerala, Maharashtra, UP apologize.
Focus on sterilization, humane feeding, and waste management.
Final order to be pronounced on November 7, 2025.
