The Madras High Court has directed the governments of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to submit detailed reports outlining the measures taken to implement the Supreme Court’s directions regarding the management of stray dogs and public safety.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice S. A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan issued notices to senior officials of both administrations and sought comprehensive updates on efforts to remove stray dogs from public spaces such as educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands and railway stations.
The matter has been registered as a suo motu writ petition following directions issued by the Supreme Court and has been scheduled for further hearing on July 21.
Notices have been served to the Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as well as the secretaries overseeing animal husbandry, health and municipal administration departments in both jurisdictions.
The High Court’s action follows a Supreme Court order dated May 19, 2026, directing all High Courts in the country to initiate suo motu proceedings to monitor compliance with its guidelines on stray dog management. The apex court had also cautioned that contempt proceedings could be initiated against officials who fail to implement the prescribed measures.
The Supreme Court observed that local monitoring by High Courts would ensure closer supervision of regional conditions and facilitate timely intervention where necessary.
The directions stem from proceedings concerning Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India after an earlier Supreme Court order of November 7, 2025. The apex court had instructed states and union territories to strengthen sterilisation and vaccination programmes, establish at least one fully operational Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre in every district, and ensure adequate supplies of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in government healthcare facilities.
The reports sought by the Madras High Court are expected to provide details on compliance with these directives and the steps being taken to address concerns related to stray dog populations and public safety.
