'Can't Ignore Dog Bite Incidents': SC Stands By Order To Remove Strays From Schools, Hospitals
'Can't Ignore Dog Bite Incidents': SC Stands By Order To Remove Strays From Schools, Hospitals Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 11:24 IST Supreme
'Can't Ignore Dog Bite Incidents': SC Stands By Order To Remove Strays From Schools, Hospitals Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 11:24 IST Supreme Court dismisses all pleas in stray dog case, upholds November 25 order to remove strays from schools and hospitals, bans releasing them back Supreme Court dismissed all pleas in the stray dog case. The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to modify its November 25 order directing the removal of stray dogs from institutional areas such as schools, hospitals and other public facilities, while also making it clear that the direction against releasing them back into those areas would remain in force. Hearing applications challenging the order, the Supreme Court underlined the growing threat posed by stray dog attacks and said the state could not remain a “passive spectator" to the crisis. Stressing that the right to life with dignity includes the right to live free from the fear of dog attacks, the bench said courts could not remain oblivious to the “harsh ground realities" where children, elderly people and even international travellers have fallen victim to dog bite incidents. Also Read: ‘Can’t Read When It Is In The Mood To Bite’: Supreme Court On Stray Dog Menace The court observed that the Constitution does not envisage a society where citizens, especially children and senior citizens, survive at the mercy of “physical strength or chance".
The apex court gave this verdict on the stray dog case while dismissing all the pleas submitted. In a significant observation, the court said authorities should take an “informed and reasoned decision" on extending the directions issued for schools and hospitals to other public places as well, with the objective of ensuring a safe environment for the general public. It added that such decisions must be implemented in a time-bound manner. ‘Inaction On Effective Implementation Of ABC Behind Dog Menace’ The bench stressed that prolonged inaction by authorities had allowed the problem to spiral into alarming proportions. The court observed a “discernible absence of efforts to expand and quantify infrastructure in proportion to increasing population of stray dogs" and criticised states and local authorities for carrying out sterilisation and vaccination drives without proper planning. “It defeats the objects of the framework. Had states acted with due foresight, the present situation would not have assumed such alarming proportions," the court said. The bench further remarked that the “inaction on effective implementation of ABC framework" had directly contributed to the worsening stray dog menace. Also Read: ‘Not Directed Removal Of Every Dog From Street, Only From Institutions’: Supreme Court Clarifies “Prolonged inaction and absence of institutional commitment to effective implementation of ABC Framework has contributed significantly to the persistence as well as aggravation of the problem which has now assumed dimensions warranting urgent and systemic intervention," the court observed.
Fresh Directions For States, UTs On Stray Dog Management The Supreme Court also issued fresh directions to states and Union Territories for stricter implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) guidelines. It directed all states and UTs to establish at least one ABC centre in every district with trained doctors to ensure effective sterilisation and vaccination measures. The bench also directed states and local authorities to ensure adequate availability of anti-rabies medicines amid concerns over rising dog bite cases. The court said officials entrusted with implementing its directions must be given due protection while discharging their duties, adding that police cases should ordinarily not be registered against them for actions taken in the course of implementation. The court further directed all High Courts across the country to monitor compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions on stray dog management and implementation of the ABC framework. Taking note of varying population densities, the court said authorities must expand the number of ABC centres wherever required to tackle the growing stray dog population in an effective manner. The Supreme Court also stressed that all directions issued by it must be implemented “in letter and spirit", while ensuring strict compliance with AWBI rules and the broader ABC framework. The Supreme Court warned that non-compliance with its directions by states and authorities could invite contempt proceedings as well as tortious liability.
Supreme Court’s November 2025 Order In its 2025 order, the Supreme Court had directed authorities to shift stray dogs away from public and institutional spaces, including hospitals, parks, railway stations and schools, and house them in designated shelters. The bench had also ruled that sterilised dogs should not be released back into the same localities from where they were picked up. Additionally, feeding of stray dogs in public spaces was prohibited except at earmarked feeding zones. The directions had triggered strong opposition from animal welfare groups, dog feeders and several NGOs, which moved the court seeking recall and modification of the order. After hearing multiple applications challenging the directions, the top court had reserved its verdict in January. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 19, 2026, 10:47 IST News india 'Can't Ignore Dog Bite Incidents': SC Stands By Order To Remove Strays From Schools, Hospitals Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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