Supreme Court Orders Removal of Stray Dogs and Cattle from Public Spaces and Highways

In response to the growing number of dog bite incidents, the Supreme Court has issued a major directive to remove stray dogs from key public areas across the country. These include schools, hospitals, railway stations, bus stands, and sports complexes. The court has ordered that all stray dogs be relocated to designated shelters after sterilisation and must not be returned to the same location.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria is overseeing the matter through a suo motu case. The judges stressed that government and public institutions must be kept free of stray dogs and that local municipal bodies should conduct regular inspections to prevent the formation of stray dog habitats.

The court has given authorities eight weeks to complete the relocation process. It also directed all states and union territories to address the shortcomings highlighted by the amicus curiae (a court-appointed advisor) regarding the implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules. Comprehensive affidavits detailing corrective actions must be submitted before the next hearing on January 13. The bench warned that any negligence would be taken seriously.

The case was initiated in July following reports of rabies-related deaths, especially among children, due to stray dog bites in Delhi and nearby areas. Earlier, the court had ruled that stray dogs should be moved to shelters equipped with trained professionals for sterilisation and immunisation. Dogs showing signs of rabies or aggressive behaviour must not be released back into the community.

Additionally, the Supreme Court has directed all states, union territories, the National Highway Authority, and civic bodies to remove stray cattle and other animals from highways and roads. A special highway patrol team will be formed to catch stray cattle and shift them to shelters where they will receive proper care.

To support this effort, helpline numbers will be set up on all national highways for reporting stray cattle. The chief secretaries of each state are responsible for ensuring full compliance, and any failure to do so will result in accountability for the concerned officers.

The court also reiterated that feeding stray dogs must be done only in designated areas set up by municipal authorities. Public feeding in open spaces is strictly prohibited, and violations will attract strict action.