New Delhi: In a significant judgment that puts the safety of people ahead of all other considerations, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) categorically declined to change the order issued on November 7, 2025, regarding complete eradication of stray dogs from all highly crowded public establishments. The three-judge bench headed by Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria outrightly rejected appeals filed by animal right activists and welfare bodies.
The top court made it clear that once stray dogs are evacuated from sensitive spots, they cannot be released into the same places again, even if they get sterilized and vaccinated. The Supreme Court has made it crystal clear that strict security measures are required for the following sensitive spots:
- Educational institutes (schools & colleges)
- Hospitals and clinics
- Recreational parks
- Bus stands and railway stations
While declining requests to make the order lenient, the court said that the state cannot remain just a mute spectator to increasing dog attacks across India. The court felt that weaker sections, especially children, old age, and foreign tourists, should not live by their “physical prowess.”
“Right to life with dignity shall include a right to live without fear of being harmed by dogs,” opined the bench, further stating that re-releasing the animals into congested hubs will render any efforts towards providing safe environment for the general public futile.
Accountability and Decentralization of the Monitoring Mechanism
In order to ensure proper enforcement, the Supreme Court has issued a mandate to all State High Courts that they file suo motu applications and monitor compliance within their respective jurisdictions. Municipal authorities and state government representatives were told that they will face strong contempt charges if not complied strictly.
Even though the Supreme Court gave permission for carrying out euthanizing of confirmed rabid dogs and/or those dogs who have sustained incurable injury to the body under certain stringent legal measures, the Supreme Court mandated all states to create an operational Animal Birth Control (ABC) unit in each and every district. Initial reports are due on August 7, 2026.
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