Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Supreme Court Addresses Stray Dog Safety Concerns
The Supreme Court of India is talking about the problem of stray dogs.
They are worried because stray dogs can bite people and cause accidents.
The court said that it's hard to know when a dog might bite, so it's better to prevent problems by keeping dogs away from places like schools, hospitals, and roads.
They also said that dogs should be taken to shelters, sterilized, and not put back in the same places.
Some people who spoke in the court said that there are too many dogs and it would cost a lot of money to take care of them.
The court is still thinking about what to do and will talk about it more later.
The court also mentioned that some states are not following the rules and will be punished for that.
They suggested fencing roads to keep stray animals away.
The Supreme Court emphasized the need to clear roads and public areas of stray dogs to prevent accidents and bites.
The court noted poor compliance by states, with only about 10 states filing compliance affidavits regarding the implementation of animal birth control and shelter infrastructure.
Senior Advocate K K Venugopal informed the court that India has approximately 5.25 crore stray dogs, requiring 77,000 shelters and a daily feeding cost of ₹62 crore.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued for distinguishing between street dogs and 'community dogs' found in institutional areas, suggesting management under Animal Birth Control Rules (ABC) rather than permanent removal.
The court reiterated its concern over systemic failure to secure sensitive public places from the stray dog threat and directed the removal of dogs from these areas.
The bench also questioned the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) about stray animals on highways, citing recent accidents and seeking explanations for barricading roads.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and K K Venugopal, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- What
- Hearing on the stray dog menace and safety concerns, including incidents of dog bites and accidents
- When
- January 7, 2025 (hearing), November 7, 2024 (previous order)
- Where
- Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
- Why
- To address the safety concerns and ensure the removal of stray dogs from public and institutional areas
- Date of Hearing
- January 7, 2025
- Bench Composition
- Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria
- Number of Stray Dogs in India
- 5.25 crore
- Estimated Shelter Requirement
- 77,000 shelters
- Daily Feeding Cost
- ₹62 crore
- Previous Supreme Court Order Date
- November 7, 2024
- Vulnerable Road Stretch Identified by NHAI
- 1,400 km
Sources
Lawyers association writes to Chief Justice over stray dogs’ issue on HC premises: ‘Situation has worsened’
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People dying not only due to dog bites but also because of road accidents caused by strays: SC
People dying not only due to dog bites but also because of road accidents caused by strays: SC
‘Only thing missing is counselling for dogs’, Supreme Court on stray dog attacks - Telegraph India
People dying not only due to dog bites but also because of road accidents caused by strays: SC
"Roads Should Be Clear Of Dogs And Stray Animals": Top Court To Civic Bodies
'If you invade their space, they will attack': Supreme Court weighs in on stray dog safety concerns, calls for more empathy in treatment
