Supreme Court Orders Removal of Stray Dogs from Public Spaces

In a landmark ruling aimed at safeguarding public safety and hygiene, the Supreme Court of India has directed all states and union territories to remove stray dogs from the vicinity of educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands. The three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure proper relocation and monitoring of these animals in compliance with the Animal Birth Control Rules.

Scope of the Directive

The Supreme Court’s order encompasses a wide array of public spaces, including government and private schools, colleges, medical institutions, and transport hubs. Within two weeks, states and union territories must identify such locations, and within eight weeks, these sites must be secured with fencing or boundary walls to prevent re-entry of stray dogs. Additionally, a nodal officer will be appointed for every identified site to ensure routine surveillance and maintenance. Municipal bodies and panchayats have been instructed to carry out inspections for three months and submit compliance reports to the court.

Implementation of the Relocation Plan

Local self-government bodies will be responsible for capturing and relocating stray dogs to designated shelters. The court directed that all dogs must undergo sterilisation and vaccination before being moved. However, they are not to be released back to the same location, as it would “frustrate the very purpose of liberating such institutions from the presence of stray dogs,” the bench observed. These directives are part of a broader initiative to reduce stray dog incidents and create safer public environments.

Extension to Stray Cattle on Highways

The Supreme Court’s order also addresses the issue of stray cattle on highways. States and union territories, along with the National Highway Authority and municipal bodies, must form dedicated highway patrol teams to capture cattle and transfer them to shelter homes. This step aims to reduce road accidents and maintain traffic safety, while ensuring that animals receive proper care in the shelters.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The Supreme Court bench comprised Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria.
• Stray dogs are to be removed from schools, hospitals, bus stands, and railway stations.
• Captured dogs must not be released back after sterilisation.
• Highway patrol teams will remove stray cattle from national and state highways.

Monitoring, Feeding Restrictions, and Compliance

The apex court also expressed concern over employees feeding stray dogs inside government offices, noting that such actions undermine public safety directives. Future orders will regulate feeding zones to keep them away from public movement areas. Municipal bodies have been mandated to maintain records and submit progress reports to the court, ensuring strict adherence to timelines. The ruling underscores a balanced approach between public health, road safety, and animal welfare in India’s ongoing efforts to manage stray populations.