The Supreme Court on Friday, November 7, directed all states and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from the premises of schools, hospitals, bus and railway stations, and other public places, citing growing safety concerns.
A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria issued the order while hearing a suo motu case over the increasing number of dog-bite incidents across the country.
The court instructed authorities to capture, sterilise, and vaccinate the animals but said they must not be released back into the same areas. District magistrates and local bodies have been directed to ensure that all such premises are fenced or secured to prevent stray entry.
The bench further asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other road agencies to clear highways of stray cattle and other animals to ensure public safety.
The directive follows reports of rising attacks by stray dogs near schools and hospitals. The court noted that such incidents posed a serious threat, particularly to children and patients, and called for urgent preventive measures.
Animal rights organisations, however, have expressed concern over the feasibility of the order, describing it as “unscientific” and warning of inadequate shelter facilities for relocated dogs.
States and Union Territories have been asked to submit compliance reports before the next hearing on January 13, 2026.
