Chennai, June 23: The Madras High Court has requested detailed reports from the governments of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry regarding the growing issue of stray dogs. This request aims to ensure the safety of citizens from dog attacks, following directives from the Supreme Court.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan, instructed officials to document the measures taken to remove stray dogs from public areas.
The court emphasized the need for immediate action in critical locations such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and other significant institutions while implementing the Supreme Court’s orders.
This directive was issued during a ‘suo moto’ hearing, initiated after the Supreme Court instructed High Courts to monitor compliance with measures for managing stray dogs.
Judges also ordered both administrations to submit a comprehensive report on the progress made thus far.
This step follows the Supreme Court’s order on May 19, 2026, which directed all High Courts to file ‘suo moto’ writ petitions aimed at overseeing the removal of stray dogs from public places, including schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stands, and railway stations.
The Supreme Court warned that contempt proceedings could be initiated against officials who fail to implement these orders.
Additionally, the Supreme Court directed states and union territories to strengthen infrastructure for sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination programs within a specified timeframe. It mandated that each district must have at least one fully operational Animal Birth Control (ABC) center. Governments were also instructed to ensure that anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin are available in sufficient quantities at government health centers.
In response to the Supreme Court’s order, the Madras High Court has registered a ‘suo moto’ case to monitor the implementation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Notices have been issued to senior officials, including chief secretaries and secretaries of the departments of animal husbandry, health, urban administration, and water supply.
The court has directed them to file reports before the next hearing, which has been scheduled for July 21.
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