New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions seeking modification of its earlier directions related to the management of stray dogs, even as it expressed concern over patchy compliance by state authorities.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria concluded hearings after amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwal apprised the court of measures undertaken by states such as Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to address the issue. The Bench also heard submissions from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on adherence to the court’s November 7, 2025, order directing the removal of stray animals from national highways and the fencing of roads to prevent accidents.
During the hearing, the apex court directed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to expeditiously decide applications filed by non-governmental organisations seeking permission to establish animal shelters and animal birth control facilities. The court made it clear that the applications must be either approved or rejected without delay, noting submissions from AWBI that there had been a sharp rise in such requests following the November order.
The Bench also asked all parties to file their written submissions at the earliest to facilitate a final decision.
A day earlier, the Supreme Court had voiced strong dissatisfaction with state governments for failing to enhance their stray dog sterilisation capacity, remarking that many were merely offering assurances without concrete action. The court is hearing multiple pleas seeking modification of its November 7 directions, which mandated the removal of stray animals from institutional areas and public roads.
On January 13, the apex court had warned that it may impose heavy compensation on states for dog bite incidents and also hold dog feeders accountable in appropriate cases. It had further noted that norms governing stray animal management had largely remained unimplemented for nearly five years.
Taking cognisance of what it described as an alarming rise in dog bite incidents in areas such as schools, hospitals and railway stations, the Supreme Court had earlier ordered that stray dogs be relocated to designated shelters after due sterilisation and vaccination. It had also clarified that such animals should not be released back into their original locations.
The court had additionally directed authorities to ensure the complete removal of cattle and other stray animals from state highways, national highways and expressways.
The proceedings form part of a suo motu case initiated on July 28 last year, following media reports highlighting incidents of dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children, in the national capital.
