The Supreme Court of India has directed authorities nationwide to clear stray dogs from public spaces such as schools, hospitals, railway stations, bus depots, and sports complexes. The Court ordered that these animals be relocated to authorised shelters after being sterilised and vaccinated in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023.

A bench of Justice Vikram Nath,Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N. V. Anjaria emphasised that stray dogs removed from such premises must not be released back into the same locations. This move aims to ensure public safety and prevent repeated occupation of sensitive areas by stray animals.

State governments and municipal authorities have been given two weeks to identify all public and private educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, and railway stations within their jurisdictions. Once identified, these premises must be secured through fencing, gates, or boundary walls to prevent re-entry of stray dogs.

The Court further instructed all institutions to appoint a nodal officer, whose details should be clearly displayed at the entrance and shared with municipal bodies. Local authorities and panchayats must conduct quarterly inspections to ensure compliance. Any failure to enforce these directions will invite strict action.

Expanding its directions beyond institutional spaces, the Court ordered cooperation among municipal bodies, public works departments, transport departments, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to address the issue of stray animals on highways and expressways. It called for the creation of patrol units, emergency helplines, and control rooms to respond to incidents swiftly and reduce accidents caused by strays.

The Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories and the NHAI Chairperson have been asked to supervise implementation and ensure accountability. They must submit a compliance report within eight weeks, detailing measures such as patrol operations, helpline functionality, and installation of safety signage.

This order marks a significant step toward balancing public safety and animal welfare, reinforcing the duty of authorities to manage stray animals humanely and effectively.

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