Supreme Court Issues Nationwide Directions
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the rising incidents of dog bites across the country and directed state and local authorities to take coordinated action. On 7 November 2025, the Court instructed that stray dogs be removed from public institutions such as schools, hospitals, bus stands and railway stations, and shifted to designated shelters. It also emphasized the installation of boundary fencing in these areas to prevent the entry of stray dogs.
Key Measures Mandated for Public Institutions
As per the directions, every educational and medical institution must appoint a nodal officer, with contact details displayed on notice boards. Municipal authorities are required to complete boundary fencing within eight weeks. Dogs removed from these premises are to undergo vaccination and sterilization before being housed in shelters. Regular inspections every three months and adequate stock of anti-rabies vaccines in hospitals are also mandated. The Animal Welfare Board has been instructed to issue standard operating procedures for prevention of dog bite incidents within four weeks.
Focus on Highways and Expressways
The Court noted that stray animals on highways and expressways contribute to road accidents, especially at night. To address this, municipal and transport authorities have been directed to jointly remove stray cattle and dogs from major roads and relocate them to shelters. Dedicated patrol teams must operate round-the-clock to respond to reports and prevent such occurrences. Display of helpline numbers and continuous monitoring by senior officials have also been emphasized.
Rising Cases of Rabies and Public Concern
Health data indicates a significant increase in dog bite cases in recent years. In 2023, more than 30 lakh cases were reported nationwide, resulting in 286 deaths, marking a 26 percent increase compared to the previous year. In 2024, approximately 22 lakh people were affected, including more than five lakh children. Urban centers such as Noida reported an increase of up to 31 percent in incidents. Experts have linked this trend to growth in stray dog populations, limited vaccination and unmanaged waste.
Accountability and Enforcement
During the hearing, the bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice N V Anjaria directed state chief secretaries to ensure full compliance. Failure to follow instructions may result in personal accountability. State governments must submit status reports within three weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for 13 January. The Court clarified that sterilized dogs removed from public spaces cannot be returned to the same locations.
Need for Humane and Sustainable Management
While acknowledging that animals also have the right to live, the Court emphasized that unregulated presence of stray animals poses risks to both humans and animals. Ensuring their safety through proper shelter, care and oversight can reduce conflicts and prevent accidents. Effective coordination between authorities and community awareness are considered essential for addressing the situation in a responsible and humane manner.