Supreme Court orders removal of stray dogs from public institutions, highways

New Delhi: Expressing concern over the “alarming rise” in dog bite cases, the Supreme Court on Friday directed authorities across the country to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, sports complexes, and railway stations within eight weeks. The dogs are to be relocated to designated shelters after sterilisation, the court said.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria issued the order while monitoring a suo motu case on stray dog attacks. The court directed local municipal bodies to ensure that strays are not released back to the same places from where they are picked up and to conduct regular inspections to prevent the formation of new dog habitats.

“All states and union territories must rectify lapses in implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules,” the bench said, warning that any laxity would be viewed seriously. Comprehensive compliance affidavits are to be filed before the next hearing on January 13.

The court also extended its directions to include stray cattle and other animals on highways and roads. It asked the National Highways Authority and civic bodies to remove such animals and shift them to shelters, ensuring their care. All national highways must have helpline numbers for reporting stray cattle, and chief secretaries of states will be held accountable for violations.

The Supreme Court had earlier, in July, directed that stray dogs in Delhi and nearby regions be moved from residential areas to shelters amid rising cases of dog bites leading to rabies deaths. The bench reiterated that feeding of strays will only be allowed at designated feeding zones, and any violation will invite strict action.