SC Maintains Stray Dog Removals, Warns Against Non-Compliance
SC Maintains Stray Dog Removals, Warns Against Non-Compliance
SC maintains order to remove stray dogs from public spaces and allows euthanasia for rabid dogs, urging states to bolster vaccination and sterilisation efforts.
Delhi, The Supreme Court on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) refused to modify its November 7, 2025 order directing all States and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from high-footfall public spaces, including educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots, and railway stations. The court clarified that stray dogs cannot be released back into these areas even after sterilisation, underscoring the public safety concerns driving the mandate.
The bench also allowed authorities to undertake euthanasia of ‘rabid and dangerous dogs’ in order to mitigate threats to human life. It highlighted an alarming rise in dog-bite incidents across the country and urged states to step up sterilisation and vaccination under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
Officials said there has been a discernible absence of sustained efforts by states to bolster sterilisation and vaccination infrastructure, and the court noted that sterilisation and vaccination drives have taken place without adequate planning. The decision emphasizes that the ABC framework requires coordinated and adequately funded action.
To strengthen implementation, the court directed every district to have at least one functional Animal Birth Control centre staffed with trained personnel and equipped with proper sterilisation and vaccination facilities. It also asked high courts to monitor compliance and reiterated that the right to life includes living free from the threat of dog bites.
The ruling highlights the tough balance between protecting public safety and animal welfare, a debate that continues to polarise communities nationwide. Moving forward, states will need to align funding, logistics, and veterinary infrastructure to meet the court’s demands.
