Supreme Court Refuses to Revise Stray Dog Guidelines, Says Dogs Must Be Removed from Public Places
Supreme Court refuses to revise stray dog guidelines and orders removal of stray dogs from public places like hospitals, schools and bus stations. Court warns states over non-implementation.
The Supreme Court has made it clear that stray dogs should be removed from public places and refused to revise the guidelines issued earlier regarding stray dog control. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, NV Anjaria and Sandeep Mehta on Monday stated that there would be no changes to the November 2025 verdict on stray dogs and also expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of state governments to properly implement the guidelines.
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The Supreme Court observed that stray dogs should be shifted away from crowded public places such as hospitals, schools, colleges, bus stations and railway stations. The court further said that authorities cannot ignore attacks on children and elderly people by stray dogs.
Supreme Court Refuses to Change Earlier Stray Dog Guidelines
The bench of Justices Vikram Nath, NV Anjaria and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a batch of petitions seeking revision of the guidelines issued last year for the control of stray dogs.
The court refused to amend the guidelines and clarified that the earlier judgment delivered in November 2025 would remain unchanged. The judges also expressed concern that several state governments were not implementing the directions effectively.
According to the Supreme Court, the Animal Welfare Board guidelines on animal protection must continue to be followed.
Stray Dogs Must Be Removed From Crowded Public Areas
The court directed that stray dogs should be moved away from areas where large numbers of people gather regularly.
These locations include:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Colleges
- Bus stations
- Railway stations
The Supreme Court said authorities must ensure that stray dogs are not present in these sensitive public areas.
Supreme Court Allows Euthanasia for Dangerous or Sick Dogs
The court also agreed that dangerous or seriously sick stray dogs may be euthanized if necessary.
It said compassionate euthanasia can be carried out in appropriate cases. The Supreme Court also stressed the need to control the breeding of stray dogs and ensure regular vaccination drives.
The court further directed governments to establish proper shelter facilities for stray dogs and other cattle.
Mandatory Shelters, Vaccination and Sterilization Centres Ordered
The Supreme Court said every city must have:
- Sterilization centres
- Vaccination centres
- Shelters for stray dogs
The bench directed that staff working in these facilities should be properly trained. It also ordered authorities to ensure availability of anti-rabies vaccines.
The court additionally stated that gaushalas should be established for stray dogs and other cattle to control the increasing stray animal population.
Supreme Court Warns State Governments Over Non-Implementation
The Supreme Court warned that legal action may be taken if state governments fail to implement the guidelines properly.
The bench said the judiciary cannot remain silent when children and elderly citizens are being attacked by stray dogs in public places.
The court reiterated that public safety and proper animal welfare measures must go hand in hand.
The Supreme Court has firmly refused to revise its November 2025 stray dog guidelines and directed authorities to remove stray dogs from crowded public places such as hospitals, schools, bus stations and railway stations. The bench of Justices Vikram Nath, NV Anjaria and Sandeep Mehta also stressed sterilization, vaccination, shelters and compassionate euthanasia for dangerous or sick dogs. The court warned state governments of legal action if the guidelines are not implemented properly.
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