Supreme Court Refuses to Relax Curbs on Stray Dogs in Schools, Hospitals

New Delhi, May 19, KNT: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to modify its earlier directions aimed at addressing the growing problem of stray dogs and rising dog bite incidents across India, reaffirming that stray dogs should not be allowed in sensitive public places such as schools and hospitals.

The ruling came in a suo motu matter taken up by the apex court concerning public safety concerns arising from increasing reports of dog attacks and stray animal management across the country.

A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria delivered the verdict after reserving judgment on January 29 following hearings on multiple applications filed by animal welfare groups and dog feeders seeking modification of the court’s earlier directions issued on November 7.

The court maintained its earlier position, signaling that public safety concerns would remain central to the implementation of stray dog management policies.

The case had drawn nationwide attention because it highlighted the continuing debate between animal welfare concerns and growing public anxiety over dog bite incidents, particularly around schools, hospitals, and residential localities.

In a significant clarification, the Supreme Court ruled that authorities in areas witnessing a high incidence of dog attacks may take measures, including euthanasia of rabid dogs, to address the threat posed by infected and dangerous animals.

The Bench clarified that such measures must operate within the existing statutory framework governing animal welfare and public health management.

The court also extended legal protection to municipal officials involved in implementing the directions.

It ruled that no First Information Report (FIR) should be registered against municipal authorities or officials acting in compliance with the court’s directions unless there was evidence of abuse or misuse of authority.

The protection, the court indicated, was intended to prevent harassment of officials carrying out legally mandated public safety responsibilities.

The Bench simultaneously emphasized that the responsibility of stray dog management could not be limited to removal or enforcement actions alone.

It directed all states and Union Territories to urgently expand shelter infrastructure and strengthen sterilisation facilities under the existing legal framework.

The court said authorities must improve institutional capacity to manage stray dog populations in a humane and systematic manner.

The order assumes significance amid increasing reports of dog bite incidents from various states and repeated complaints regarding inadequate animal birth control infrastructure and overcrowded shelters.

Public concern over stray dog attacks has intensified in recent years, particularly after several reported cases involving children and elderly persons.

Animal welfare organizations had urged the court to modify the earlier directions, arguing that blanket restrictions on stray dogs in public spaces could conflict with animal protection laws and humanitarian considerations.

However, the Bench appeared to balance those concerns with growing demands for stronger public safety measures.

Legal observers said the judgment reinforced municipal responsibility while also acknowledging the need for humane management practices instead of ad hoc responses.

The ruling is expected to influence local body policies and stray dog management practices across India, particularly in urban areas struggling with large stray animal populations and limited veterinary infrastructure. [KNT]

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