New Delhi: In a significant directive on public safety and animal management, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the removal of stray dogs from public places, including schools, hospitals, and bus stations, directing that the animals be shifted to designated shelters and not returned to their original locations.
The apex court’s order, issued following a detailed hearing on stray dog–related incidents across the country, mandates that all States and Union Territories file compliance affidavits outlining the steps taken to implement the directions. The Court also directed that the report submitted by the Amicus Curiae be recorded as part of the official order, lending it judicial acknowledgment.
The bench observed that while animal welfare must be safeguarded, public safety and hygiene in sensitive areas such as educational institutions, health facilities, and transport hubs are of paramount importance. The Court emphasized that designated shelters should be equipped with adequate facilities for care, vaccination, and sterilization to ensure humane handling of the animals.
The order comes amid growing concerns over rising stray dog attacks and public health issues in several states. Municipal authorities across India have been struggling to strike a balance between animal protection and citizen safety, with local bodies often facing logistical and legal hurdles in implementing earlier court directives.
Legal experts note that this ruling provides clearer operational guidance to local administrations and could prompt a coordinated nationwide approach to managing stray dog populations. Animal welfare organizations are expected to seek further clarity on the standards and funding mechanisms for the new shelters.
The Supreme Court’s order marks a major step toward a structured and humane stray management policy, setting the stage for uniform enforcement across the country.
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