The Supreme Court of India has sharply criticised several states and union territories for failing to submit action-taken reports as ordered in a nationwide case on the stray dog menace, warning that the country’s international image is at stake.
A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria noted that only the administrations of West Bengal, Telangana and Municipal Corporation of Delhi had even attempted to file compliance affidavits. The court added that even those submissions were “not on record” because they were filed during a holiday break.
The bench emphasised that the problem of stray dogs – including reported attacks and biting incidents – is not confined to one region but is a nationwide concern, and the lack of administrative response “portrays the country in a bad light internationally.” It directed the chief secretaries of all states and UTs that have not yet complied to appear personally on November 3 and explain the delay. The court warned of costs and coercive measures if officials fail to comply.
The original order, issued on August 22, required all states and union territories to file detailed affidavits on the steps they have taken under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The court reaffirmed that its interest is in effective implementation, not just paperwork.
