The Supreme Court of India has raised a strong alarm over the rising number of stray dog attacks across the country, observing that the unchecked growth of stray dog populations now poses a serious threat to public safety. The bench remarked that frequent dog bite incidents in Schools, Hospitals and Public spaces highlight an administrative failure that infringes on citizens fundamental right to life and safety under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Court’s Key Observations:
- The Supreme Court noted that the “dog bite menace” has become not only a public health problem but also a human safety issue.
- The bench cited multiple reports of children being mauled in school premises, patients attacked in hospital courtyards and citizens bitten at bus stations and parks.
- Data presented to the Court showed that over 90% of human bite cases in India are caused by stray or domestic dogs.
- Vulnerable groups especially children, the elderly and the poor are the most severely affected as they often lack access to immediate post exposure treatment.
- India recorded an estimated 3.7 million dog bite cases in 2024, reflecting the seriousness of the crisis.
Supreme Court Directives to States and Municipalities:
The Court issued a set of strict directions to ensure immediate safety in public and institutional spaces:
- Within two weeks, every State and Union Territory must identify Schools, Hospitals, Sports complexes, Bus depots and Railway stations within their jurisdiction where stray dogs are present.
- The administrative heads of these institutions, in coordination with local bodies and the District Magistrate, must secure premises with proper fencing, gates and physical barriers to prevent the entry of stray dogs.
- Stray dogs captured from these areas must not be released back into the same locations, as that would defeat the purpose of public protection.
- All hospitals and health centers must maintain an uninterrupted supply of anti rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin.
- Schools and colleges are directed to conduct awareness sessions on animal safety, first aid after bites and reporting mechanisms.
- Public transport authorities must ensure clean surroundings and remove open food waste that attracts stray dogs.
- The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is tasked with drafting standard operating procedures for prevention and management of stray dogs in institutional areas within four weeks.
Legal and Policy Context:
The Court examined the existing Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, which mandate the “Capture, Sterilize, Vaccinate and Release” model. The bench expressed concern that while sterilization helps control population growth, it does not fully eliminate aggression or biting behavior, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Referring to citizens’ constitutional rights under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21, the Court said the freedom to move safely in public places is a fundamental right that cannot be compromised by the failure of municipal authorities to control stray dog populations.
Why the Order Matters:
- This marks a significant policy shift toward a “Human safety first” approach in dealing with stray dog issues.
- The Court highlighted that it is the state’s duty to protect citizens from avoidable hazards, including animal attacks.
- The decision emphasizes the disproportionate impact of stray dog attacks on the poor and children, who are least able to access medical care.
- Municipal authorities are now under direct judicial scrutiny to report compliance and progress within specific timeframes.
Public Impact and Next Steps:
For citizens, especially parents, hospital patients and commuters, this judgment is expected to bring greater accountability and visible safety measures in public spaces.
Schools and hospitals will be required to take tangible steps to secure their surroundings, while local bodies will need to increase surveillance and relocation efforts for stray dogs.
Animal welfare groups and NGOs have expressed mixed reactions. Some have welcomed the focus on safety, while others warn against indiscriminate capture or relocation without adequate shelter facilities.
The Supreme Court will review the compliance reports from all states in the coming weeks to assess how effectively these directions are being implemented.
