Supreme Court: Dogs May Turn Aggressive When They Sense Human Fear

The Supreme Court, hearing a suo motu matter on increasing dog-bite cases, said dogs can detect fear in humans and may act aggressively when they sense it.

The Court reminded that the stray animal issue needs a practical balance, citing personal courtroom observations.

Senior counsels pointed out gaps in the implementation of ABC Rules, including the low number of accredited animal birth-control centers, a lack of trained staff, unreliable data on the dog population, and risks of illness spreading in overcrowded shelters.

The Court reiterated its revised approach favoring vaccination, sterilisation and territorial release of strays instead of indefinite sheltering. The hearing will continue on January 9, 2026. 

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