New Delhi, May 19: The Supreme Court has upheld its decision to remove stray dogs from public spaces, citing a surge in dog bite incidents across the country. The court dismissed a petition from dog lovers seeking to amend its previous order regarding the removal of stray dogs from places such as schools, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands.
The court emphasized that the issue is exacerbated by the ineffective implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. It expressed concern over the increasing number of dog bites, which have become a serious public safety issue.
In just one month, 1,084 dog bite cases were reported in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, with many young children suffering severe injuries. In Tamil Nadu, nearly 200,000 dog bite incidents were recorded in the first four months of the year. The court noted that even busy airports, including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, have seen dog bite occurrences, impacting public trust in urban administration and governance.
Referencing its directives from August 22 and November 7, 2025, the Supreme Court pointed out that no substantial action has been taken on the ground. It warned that if state governments and relevant officials fail to comply with these directives, they could face contempt proceedings, disciplinary action, and personal accountability.
Dog lovers argued that the order to remove stray dogs from public spaces is overly harsh and infringes on the rights of the animals. They advocated for a more effective ABC program. However, the Supreme Court prioritized public interest and safety over these arguments.
The increasing number of stray dogs and the attacks they cause have become a significant issue in recent years, with reports of attacks on children and the elderly emerging from various states. The Supreme Court has instructed state governments to strictly implement the ABC program and take concrete steps to control the stray dog population.
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