The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the issue of managing stray dogs in public spaces nationwide. After a comprehensive hearing involving various stakeholders, including state governments and animal welfare organizations, the Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria concluded the proceedings. The court allowed all parties to submit their written arguments within a week.
During the hearing, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) highlighted discrepancies in data related to sterilization centers for stray dogs. The AWBI pointed out that while there are only 76 recognized sterilization centers in the country, state submissions indicated the existence of 883 centers, many of which are not officially recognized. Expressing concerns over data accuracy and fund utilization, the Supreme Court instructed the AWBI to expedite the recognition process for these centers.
The suo motu case has shed light on challenges in implementing Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, public safety issues due to dog bites, and the necessity for a more robust framework to address stray dog problems in a humane manner nationwide. The court had previously heard arguments from various stakeholders, including dog enthusiasts, dog-bite victims, and animal rights activists, to understand different perspectives on the matter.
In a previous ruling in August 2025, a different Bench had directed municipal bodies in Delhi-NCR to capture and relocate all stray dogs to shelters immediately. Concerned about public safety and the risk of rabies, the court emphasized the urgency of ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups on the streets. The municipal bodies were ordered to clear the streets of stray dogs and warned of legal consequences for any hindrance to the process.
The initial verdict on relocating stray dogs faced backlash and was later revised to focus on vaccination, sterilization, and adherence to Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The modified directives aimed to address the issue in a more comprehensive and humane manner, considering the welfare of both the animals and the public.
