NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over India’s high rabies-related mortality rate and the growing number of dog-bite incidents, the Supreme Court on Friday directed authorities to immediately remove stray dogs from the premises of educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, depots, and railway stations. The court warned that failure to comply would invite strict consequences.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria said that the “menace of dog bites,” particularly in spaces meant for learning, healing, and recreation, poses a serious threat to public safety. Governments, the court stressed, are duty-bound to protect the life and health of citizens.
Citing recent dog-bite incidents — including attacks on a Welsh entrepreneur in Bengaluru and two foreign coaches at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium — the bench also noted alarming cases such as the Kannur railway station episode, where a rabid stray bit 18 people.
“It shall be the responsibility of the jurisdictional municipal authority to forthwith remove every stray dog found within the premises of an educational institution, hospital (public or private), sports complex, bus stand/depot, or railway station and to shift such animals to designated shelters after due sterilisation and vaccination as per the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023,” the bench ordered.
The court further clarified that such dogs must not be released back to the same locations. “Permitting their return would defeat the very purpose of liberating these institutional areas from the presence of stray dogs,” it said.
Soon after the order was pronounced, animal welfare activists urged the bench not to finalize the judgment and sought a hearing. The court, however, declined their request.
The bench also directed all institutions to appoint a nodal officer responsible for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring that stray dogs do not enter their premises. “The recurrence of such incidents within spaces meant for learning, healing, and recreation reflects administrative apathy and systemic failure,” it observed.
Calling the situation one that demanded “immediate judicial intervention,” the court said its directions were issued in continuation of its August 22 order, aimed at curbing stray dog attacks through preventive and administrative measures.
The apex court ordered all Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories to ensure compliance and file status reports within eight weeks. The Animal Welfare Board of India has also been asked to submit a report on nationwide sterilisation and vaccination efforts, as well as a uniform standard operating procedure to prevent dog-bite incidents.
“Any non-compliance shall be viewed seriously and may invite penalties, including suo motu contempt proceedings against erring officials,” the bench warned.
The court further instructed that administrative heads of institutions, under the supervision of district magistrates, must ensure premises are properly secured through fencing, gates, or other structural measures to prevent the entry of stray dogs.
