SC orders removal of stray dogs from schools, hospitals, and public places across India

In a major directive to curb stray dog menace, the Supreme Court has ordered all stray dogs near schools, hospitals, bus stands, and railway stations to be relocated to dog shelters within eight weeks.

The Supreme Court of India has issued a significant order addressing the growing menace of stray dogs across the country. The court has directed authorities to capture all stray dogs found near sensitive areas such as educational institutions, hospitals, bus stations, sports complexes, and railway stations, and relocate them to designated dog shelters within the next eight weeks.

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The directive was passed by a three-judge bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria during a suo motu hearing on the issue of stray dog attacks. The bench made it clear that once the dogs are captured, they must not be released back into the same areas.

The court has further ordered that all such stray dogs be vaccinated and sterilised in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) regulations before being housed in shelters. This move, the court said, is essential to control the stray population and prevent public health risks.

Additionally, the Supreme Court has directed municipal authorities to ensure that no one feeds stray dogs in public spaces, including streets and marketplaces, to prevent further congregation of animals in densely populated areas.

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The order also takes into account the report submitted by the Amicus Curiae, which has now been made an official part of the court’s order. The report highlights the urgent need for systematic animal control measures and proper shelter facilities across states.

In a related observation, the Supreme Court upheld similar directions issued by the Rajasthan High Court and the state government, which had instructed local bodies to remove stray cattle from highways and expressways and move them to shelters.