Supreme Court Orders Immediate Removal of Stray Dogs From Key Public Spaces, Calls for Strict State-Wide Compliance

In a sweeping directive aimed at ensuring public safety, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered the immediate removal of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports facilities, bus terminals, depots, and railway stations across the country.

The apex court instructed that all dogs picked up must be shifted to designated shelters only after proper sterilisation and vaccination under the Animal Birth Control Rules, with a clear mandate that they must not be released back to the same location.

A three-judge Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria emphasised that returning the animals to the same premises would defeat the very purpose of securing sensitive public spaces.

“This direction has been issued to ensure such institutional areas remain free from stray dog presence,” the court observed.

Strict Responsibility on Local Bodies

The court placed responsibility squarely on municipal bodies and local authorities to enforce the order and submit a full compliance report by January 13, 2026.

State governments and Union Territories have been given two weeks to identify government and private campuses, hospitals, primary health centres, medical colleges, railway stations, bus depots, and stadiums falling under this order.

The Bench mandated that these premises be secured through adequate boundary walls, fencing, gates, and other preventive measures to stop stray dog entry.

Additionally, each institution must appoint a nodal officer responsible for sanitation and ensuring no stray dogs inhabit the campus.

Their details must be prominently displayed at the entrance and shared with local authorities.

Regular inspections—at least once every three months—will be conducted by municipal authorities and panchayats to monitor compliance.

Any lapse, the court warned, will be “viewed seriously”.

Coordinated Drive on Highways

Extending the order beyond public campuses, the Court also directed state and national highway authorities, PWDs, and district administrations to launch a joint operation to clear highways and expressways of stray cattle and animals.

Such animals must be shifted to shelters or gaushalas with proper food, water, and veterinary care.

Dedicated highway patrol teams will be formed for 24/7 monitoring, coordination with local police, and emergency response.

Highway helpline numbers for reporting stray animals or accidents caused by them must be displayed prominently along all major roads, the court ruled.

Accountability and Enforcement

Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, along with the National Highways Authority of India chairperson, must ensure strict implementation and file compliance affidavits within eight weeks.

Officers will be held personally accountable for violations or recurring incidents.

“The directions shall be implemented uniformly across India,” the order said, calling for full reporting on shelter mechanisms, patrol teams, helpline operations, and signage installation.

Emotional Reactions Across the Country

While animal-rights advocates and safety campaigners welcomed the ruling, the directive triggered emotional scenes in several cities, where community-fed dogs are often treated like family members.

Some people were seen in tears at the thought of losing dogs they have fed and cared for for years.

Many expressed concern over whether shelters will be able to provide food, care, and human affection in the same nurturing manner.

“There is fear that the dogs will suffer without the familiar street caretakers,” said one animal feeder.

Social media also saw a wave of mixed reactions — from applause for public-safety measures to heartfelt pleas for humane treatment and transparent shelter monitoring.

The ruling has ignited a national conversation on balancing public safety with compassion, as citizens now look toward authorities to ensure the implementation remains ethical, responsible, and humane.

#SupremeCourtIndia #StrayDogs #PublicSafety #AnimalWelfare #ABCProgram #IndiaJudiciary #AnimalRights #PublicHealth #StrayCattle #HighwaySafety #UrbanManagement #DogShelters #CompassionAndCare