Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Supreme Court Reviews State Disclosures on Stray Dog Management Amidst Sterilization Efforts
A big court in India is looking into how different parts of the country are taking care of stray dogs.
Some people and animal groups had to give money to the court to share their ideas.
Many states sent reports saying how many dogs they've sterilized, which means they can't have puppies.
Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh said they've done a lot, helping hundreds of thousands of dogs.
Delhi is also sterilizing many dogs and even planning a big new shelter.
Some places, like small towns, don't have many resources for this.
Two places said they don't even have stray dogs.
The court wants to make sure everyone is following the rules to manage stray dogs and prevent rabies.
Intervenors, including animal welfare groups, deposited Rs 33.25 lakh with the Supreme Court as ordered.
Uttar Pradesh reported sterilizing 5,32,687 dogs over five years, the highest among reviewed states.
Madhya Pradesh reported 3,65,422 sterilizations, while Delhi's MCD sterilized 54,623 dogs between April and September 2025.
States like Lakshadweep and Manipur claimed to have zero stray dog populations based on available data.
While larger cities have concentrated efforts, many smaller towns and panchayats report limited infrastructure and rely on external veterinary support.
- Who
- Twenty-eight animal welfare groups and activists, various state governments, and the Supreme Court of India
- What
- The Supreme Court reviewed state disclosures on stray dog management, including sterilization and vaccination numbers, while intervenors deposited funds to be heard.
- When
- August 22 (SC direction for affidavits and deposits), ongoing review of affidavits submitted by states (prior to October 31 based on existing summary context), expected Supreme Court directions on November 7
- Where
- Supreme Court of India; Various states and Union Territories across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Assam, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Telangana.
- Why
- In response to a suo motu case taken up by the Supreme Court concerning stray dog attacks and rabies, and to assess compliance with Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
States with Limited Infrastructure/Data
States with Established Programs
Sterilization and Vaccination Data
States with Limited Infrastructure/Data
Some states like Bihar provided general information on ongoing work but lacked specific sterilization or vaccination data. Many smaller towns and panchayats reported limited or no dedicated infrastructure.
States with Established Programs
States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh reported hundreds of thousands of sterilizations over the last five years. Delhi's Municipal Corporation reported significant numbers and plans for new infrastructure and microchipping.
Infrastructure and Manpower
States with Limited Infrastructure/Data
Smaller towns and panchayats often have limited or no dedicated infrastructure such as dog pounds, catchers, or specialized vehicles. There is a notable reliance on NGOs or private veterinarians due to a lack of state veterinary manpower.
States with Established Programs
Larger cities and corporations often have established infrastructure like ABC centers, dog pounds, catchers, and modified vehicles. Delhi is planning a permanent shelter and procuring ISO-approved microchips.
Geographic Claims of Zero Stray Population
States with Limited Infrastructure/Data
Lakshadweep cited geographic isolation and Manipur cited census data to claim zero stray dog populations.
States with Established Programs
Most other states provided data on their stray dog populations and sterilization efforts, indicating active management programs.
- Intervenor Deposits for SC Hearing
- Rs 33.25 lakh
- UP Sterilizations (Last 5 years)
- 5,32,687
- MP Sterilizations (Last 5 years)
- 3,65,422
- MCD Sterilizations (April-Sept 2025)
- 54,623
- Assam Sterilizations
- 24,067
- Rajasthan Vaccinations/Sterilizations
- 58,210
- States Claiming Zero Stray Dogs
- Lakshadweep, Manipur
