Indian Supreme Court Orders Removal of Stray Dogs from Public Premises, Relocation to Shelters

Supreme Court Mandates Removal and Relocation

In a significant directive issued on Friday, November 7, 2025, the Supreme Court of India ordered the immediate removal of stray dogs from various public premises across the country. The order specifically targets educational institutions, hospitals, public transport hubs, and sports complexes, citing an 'alarming rise' in dog bite incidents. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria presided over the matter.

The court stipulated that all stray dogs picked up from these sensitive areas must be relocated to designated shelters following sterilization and vaccination, in adherence to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. Crucially, the directive explicitly prohibits the release of these dogs back into the same locations from which they were removed, stating that such an action would 'frustrate the very purpose' of the court's order.

Responsibility and Compliance Measures

The responsibility for implementing this order falls squarely on the jurisdictional municipal bodies and authorities. These local self-government institutions are tasked with the forthwith removal and relocation of stray dogs.

To ensure compliance and prevent future ingress of stray dogs, the Supreme Court has outlined a strict timeline and set of measures:

• Identification of Premises: All States and Union Territories must identify government and private schools, colleges, medical institutions, public transport hubs, and sports facilities within two weeks.
• Securing Premises: Within eight weeks, these identified premises must be secured, preferably through the construction of boundary walls, to prevent the entry of stray dogs.
• Nodal Officers: A nodal officer is to be appointed for the upkeep and surveillance of each such premises.
• Periodic Inspections: Local municipal authorities and panchayats are mandated to conduct periodic inspections, at least once every three months, and submit compliance reports to the court.

The Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories have been held personally responsible for ensuring strict compliance with these directives and are required to file status reports within eight weeks. Non-compliance will be viewed with utmost seriousness.

Context and Broader Directives

The court's decision stems from a suo motu proceeding initiated in July 2025, prompted by a surge in dog bite incidents, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations. The bench emphasized that the persistence of stray dogs in these areas imperils public safety and infringes upon the fundamental right to life and safety of citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Beyond stray dogs, the Supreme Court also issued directives concerning other stray animals. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other road-owning agencies have been ordered to remove stray cattle and other animals from national and state highways, relocating them to designated shelters. Furthermore, all government and private hospitals are now required to maintain adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin to ensure immediate treatment for bite victims. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has been tasked with drafting standard operating procedures for dog bite prevention and stray dog management nationwide.