Supreme Court Orders States to Remove Stray Dogs from Public Areas and Highways

The Supreme Court bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued comprehensive directions to all States and the National Highways Authority of India to remove stray animals from highways, hospitals, schools, colleges, and other public spaces.

The Court directed authorities to fence hospitals and educational institutions to prevent stray entry and to relocate animals to designated shelters after vaccination and sterilisation in compliance with the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023. It further ordered that relocated dogs must not be re-released in the same areas.

These directions were passed in light of the increasing number of stray-related incidents across the country.

[In Re: “City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay Price” v State of Andhra Pradesh]