New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the continued failure of states to implement norms related to stray animals and warned that state governments could be directed to pay “heavy compensation” in cases of dog-bite incidents, especially where children and the elderly are victims.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria observed that the statutory framework governing stray animals has not been effectively implemented for the past five years, leading to an alarming rise in dog-bite cases. The court made it clear that accountability would not be limited to authorities alone, but would also extend to individuals and groups feeding stray dogs.
Justice Vikram Nath remarked that in every instance of death or injury caused by dog attacks, the responsibility would be fixed on state governments for their failure to act. He further stated that those feeding stray dogs would also be held accountable, questioning why such animals are allowed to roam freely in public spaces if people claim to care deeply for them.
Justice Sandeep Mehta supported these observations, pointing out the lack of clarity on responsibility when incidents involve young children. He questioned whether organisations feeding stray dogs could escape accountability while courts are expected to ignore the growing problem.
The apex court was hearing multiple petitions seeking modification of its November 7, 2025 order, which had directed authorities to remove stray animals from roads and institutional areas. During the proceedings, the Bench noted an incident in Gujarat where a lawyer was bitten by a stray dog in a park, and civic officials attempting to capture the animal were allegedly obstructed and attacked by fellow lawyers claiming to be animal lovers.
The court also expressed frustration over repeated interruptions by activists and non-governmental organisations, stating that it had been unable to hear the Centre and states properly despite days of hearings. It urged lawyers to allow the court to examine whether governments have any concrete action plan to address the issue, stressing that the problem has multiplied manifold due to prolonged inaction.
Earlier, on January 9, the Supreme Court had declined to examine allegations of harassment of women dog feeders, terming it a law-and-order issue and advising aggrieved persons to approach the police. It also refused to entertain complaints regarding alleged derogatory remarks made during the debate.
In its November 7 order, the apex court had taken note of the sharp increase in dog-bite incidents in areas such as educational institutions, hospitals and railway stations. It had directed authorities to immediately relocate stray dogs to designated shelters after sterilisation and vaccination, while clarifying that the animals should not be released back to the locations from where they were picked up. The court had also ordered the removal of cattle and other stray animals from national highways, state highways and expressways.
The case is being heard as part of a suo motu proceeding initiated on July 28 last year, following media reports highlighting rabies-related deaths caused by stray dog bites, particularly among children in the national capital.
