By: Explained Desk | Updated: November 7, 2025 | New Delhi
In a significant ruling on Friday (November 7), the Supreme Court of India directed all states and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from public premises, including educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, depots, and railway stations.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria instructed that the dogs must be shifted to designated shelters after due sterilisation and vaccination, in line with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
The court also stated that the stray dogs picked up shall not be released back to the same area from which they were removed.
Background: What Did the Supreme Court Say Earlier?
The latest order modifies the August 2025 direction issued by the apex court, which had emphasised a more community-based management approach for stray animals in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
In its earlier observations, the court had highlighted:
Coexistence and compassion: The need to balance human safety and animal welfare under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Implementation of ABC Rules: States and civic bodies were urged to carry out sterilisation and vaccination drives instead of arbitrary culling or relocation.
Accountability of civic authorities: The court noted that the failure of local bodies to manage stray dog populations had resulted in increased bite incidents and public anxiety.
However, in light of rising public health and safety concerns, the Supreme Court has now moved to prioritise protection of citizens while maintaining the legal framework for animal welfare.
Current Implications
This ruling puts the onus on state governments and municipal corporations to:
Identify public premises for removal of stray dogs.
Ensure proper sterilisation, vaccination, and shelter conditions.
Prevent illegal or inhumane treatment of animals during relocation.
The order seeks to strike a balance between public safety and animal rights, aiming for systematic management of stray populations through lawful and humane procedures.
FAQs
1. What did the Supreme Court order regarding stray dogs?
The SC ordered all states and UTs to remove stray dogs from public places and relocate them to shelters after sterilisation and vaccination.
2. Will the dogs be released back after treatment?
No. The court clarified that dogs once removed shall not be released back to the same area.
3. What are the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules?
The ABC Rules mandate humane control of stray dog populations through sterilisation, vaccination, and proper sheltering rather than killing or displacement.
4. Why did the SC modify its earlier order?
Due to increasing reports of dog bites and public safety concerns, the court modified its previous order prioritising coexistence to a more safety-focused approach.
5. What happens next?
State authorities will now frame detailed implementation guidelines and allocate funds to ensure the smooth and humane execution of the directive.
Published on : 7TH November
Source Credit : Explained Desk, Indian Express
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