Supreme Court Refuses to Recall Order on Sterilisation and Relocation of Stray Dogs

New Delhi, May 19: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to recall its earlier order on the sterilisation and relocation of stray dogs, observing that the right to live with dignity also includes the right to move freely without fear of dog attacks.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria dismissed petitions filed by animal rights activists and others challenging the court’s previous directions on managing stray dogs.

“The court cannot remain oblivious to harsh ground realities where children, international travellers and elderly people have fallen victim to dog bite incidents,” the bench observed.

The apex court also issued several directions to states, Union Territories, and statutory authorities to strengthen infrastructure for handling the growing stray dog population.

Earlier, on November 7 last year, the Supreme Court had taken note of the “alarming rise” in dog-bite incidents near schools, hospitals, and railway stations. It had directed that stray dogs be sterilised, vaccinated, and relocated to designated shelters instead of being released back into the same areas.

On Tuesday, the court further rejected pleas challenging the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) for dealing with stray animals.

The bench observed that there has been a “discernible absence” of sustained efforts by states and UTs in implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) framework, which includes sterilisation, vaccination, sheltering, and scientific management of stray dogs.

According to the court, poor implementation, inadequate funding, and lack of institutional commitment have worsened the stray dog problem, making urgent intervention necessary.

“The right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right of every citizen to access public spaces without constant fear of physical harm or dog attacks,” the court said.

It further stressed that states and Union Territories have a constitutional obligation to ensure public safety and take effective measures to prevent threats to health and well-being.

The court noted that authorities have largely adopted a reactive approach instead of a preventive strategy, resulting in repeated incidents of dog bites and attacks across the country.

Referring to recent media reports from Rajasthan and other states, the bench highlighted disturbing incidents involving young children suffering severe injuries from stray dog attacks.

“Such incidents not only endanger public safety and dignity but also weaken public confidence in civic administration and urban governance,” the court observed.

The Supreme Court warned that continued non-compliance with its directions, as well as those issued by High Courts, would be viewed seriously.

The matter is being heard in a suo motu case initiated by the apex court last year following reports of rising rabies cases and stray dog attacks, particularly involving children in the national capital.


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