New Delhi: In a groundbreaking decision prioritizing citizen safety under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, the Supreme Court has ordered the immediate expulsion of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, railway stations, and other high-footfall public spaces. The apex court also extended directives to clear national highways, state roads, and expressways of stray cattle and other animals, marking a comprehensive nationwide framework to combat the escalating stray animal crisis.
A three-judge Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria delivered the orders on November 7, 2025, during suo motu proceedings initiated to address stray dog management. The Bench emphasized that recurrent dog bite incidents in vital public areas transcend mere public-health issues, constituting a direct threat to human life and personal security guaranteed by the Constitution.
Core Supreme Court Directives on Stray Dog Expulsion
The Supreme Court has mandated that stray canines must be captured from specified premises and relocated to designated shelters only after undergoing mandatory sterilization and vaccination protocols outlined in the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, enacted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Crucially, the Bench prohibited the release of these animals back to their original capture locations.
“We have consciously directed the non-release of such stray dogs to the same location from which they were picked up, as permitting the same would frustrate the very effect of the directions issued to liberate such institutional areas from the presence of stray dogs,” the Bench articulated in its order.
Each targeted public institution—spanning government and private sectors—must appoint a dedicated nodal officer tasked with ongoing upkeep and surveillance to prevent stray dog incursions. District Magistrates bear the responsibility of ensuring these premises are fortified with adequate fencing, boundary walls, and gates.
Local municipal authorities and panchayats are required to perform inspections at least once every three months to verify compliance and absence of stray animals. All government and private hospitals must maintain uninterrupted stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin. Effective waste-management systems are compulsory to eradicate food sources that lure stray animals.
The Animal Welfare Board of India has been instructed to develop comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for dog bite prevention and stray dog handling within institutional boundaries, with uniform enforcement across all States and Union Territories.
Accountability and Compliance Mechanisms
Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, along with the Chairperson of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), must issue administrative orders for strict implementation. Personal accountability will be imposed on officers for any lapses, with the Bench warning that failures will be “viewed seriously.”
Compliance status reports, detailing established mechanisms, must be submitted within eight weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 13, 2026. Earlier, the Supreme Court had voiced strong dissatisfaction with States and UTs for deficiencies in enforcing ABC Rules.
Stray Cattle and Highway Safety Measures
Addressing the “alarmingly frequent” accidents caused by stray cattle on roadways, the Bench directed NHAI, transport authorities, and municipal bodies to remove all such animals from highways, roads, and expressways. Captured cattle must be shifted to gaushalas, cattle pounds, or suitable shelters providing food, water, and veterinary care.
Dedicated highway patrol units must operate 24/7, with prominent display of helpline numbers for public reporting of stray animals or related incidents. Joint coordinated drives are mandated for immediate animal removal from thoroughfares.
Statistical Insights into India’s Stray Dog Crisis
India’s stray dog population stood at 1.5 crore according to the 2019 livestock census. In 2024, approximately 37 lakh dog bite cases were recorded by the National Centre for Disease Control. The country accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths, with dog bites responsible for about 96% of rabies-related mortality and morbidity domestically.
Legal Framework and National Initiatives
Municipalities are constitutionally obligated under Articles 243(W) to control stray dog populations. Article 51A(g) enshrines the fundamental duty “to have compassion for living creatures.” The ABC Rules, 2023, institutionalize the Capture-Sterilize-Vaccinate-Release (CSVR) model for humane population management.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) aiming for rabies-free India by 2030.
Case Background and Judicial Evolution
The suo motu case originated on July 28, 2025, following media reports of rabies deaths from dog bites, particularly among children in Delhi-NCR. An initial Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan ordered mass capture and confinement of stray dogs in Delhi and adjoining districts without release.
This directive faced backlash from animal welfare organizations for potential cruelty and violation of statutory rules. Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai intervened administratively, reassigning the matter to the current three-judge Bench.
On August 22, 2025, Justice Nath’s Bench modified the prior order, deeming absolute confinement “too harsh” and contrary to ABC Rules, Rule 11(19), which permits release of sterilized and vaccinated dogs to original localities, excluding rabid or aggressive cases.
The November 7 orders create a targeted exception for high-traffic public institutions, balancing human safety with animal welfare. Senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal, amicus curiae, highlighted “several grave deficiencies and shortcomings” in prior compliance, prompting the latest interventions.
The Bench also criticized feeding of stray dogs in government office premises, noting it exacerbates the issue. On November 3, 2025, interim directions were flagged to tackle dog bites in institutional zones where employees encourage strays.
State Surveys and Institutional Responsibilities
States must complete surveys within two weeks to identify all government and private educational institutions requiring stray dog removal. Local self-government institutions handle capture, relocation post-vaccination/sterilization, and ongoing monitoring.
No stray dog habitats should persist in or near these premises. The primary objective remains safeguarding the fundamental right to life and safety.
Broader Implications for Public Safety and Animal Welfare
These directives represent a pivotal shift in managing India’s stray animal challenge, integrating constitutional rights, statutory mandates, and practical enforcement. By insulating key public spaces and highways, the Supreme Court aims to curb dog bites, rabies transmission, and road accidents while upholding humane treatment through CSVR protocols.
Municipal bodies must conduct regular pick-up drives, shifting animals to shelters. The orders extend beyond Delhi-NCR, impleading all States and UTs as parties.
FAQs
Ques: What public places must now be completely free of stray dogs as per the Supreme Court order?
Educational institutions (government and private), hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands, depots, railway stations, and any other high-footfall institutional premises must remain stray-dog-free. The dogs must be removed immediately, sterilized, vaccinated, and relocated to designated shelters—not released back to the same spot.
Ques: Who is personally responsible if stray dogs re-enter schools or hospitals?
A nodal officer appointed by each institution handles daily surveillance. District Magistrates ensure fencing, boundary walls, and gates. Chief Secretaries of every State/UT and the NHAI Chairperson oversee overall compliance. Any lapse triggers personal accountability and strict action.
Ques: How often must municipal bodies inspect these premises?
Local municipal authorities and panchayats must conduct mandatory inspections at least once every three months to ensure no stray dogs or food sources remain. A joint survey of all institutions must be completed within two weeks from 7 November 2025.
Ques: What happens to stray cattle on highways?
Stray cattle must be removed immediately from national/state highways, expressways, and roads, then relocated to gaushalas, cattle pounds, or shelters with food, water, and veterinary care. Dedicated 24/7 highway patrol units with helpline numbers displayed on roads are required. Chief Secretaries must issue administrative orders; non-compliance invites personal liability.
Ques: Are hospitals required to stock anything specific?
All government and private hospitals must maintain a constant stock of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin at all times. Effective waste-management systems are also compulsory to eliminate food sources that attract stray animals.
