The Supreme Court on Friday issued comprehensive directions aimed at addressing the escalating menace of stray dogs in institutional areas and stray animals on highways, highlighting the serious public health and safety concerns associated with these issues. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, observed that the growing incidents of dog bites in educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, and sports complexes reflect not only administrative negligence but also a systemic failure to protect citizens from preventable hazards.

The Court noted that the situation poses a direct threat to the fundamental right to life and safety of citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution, particularly affecting children, patients, sportspersons, and other vulnerable sections of society. The bench emphasised that immediate and coordinated intervention was necessary to prevent further incidents and to uphold public safety while balancing the principles of animal welfare under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The Court directed that all stray dogs found within institutional premises must be immediately captured, sterilised, vaccinated, and relocated to designated shelters. Crucially, it clarified that these animals should not be released back in the same locations from which they were picked up. Municipal authorities, panchayats, and other local administrative bodies were entrusted with the responsibility of implementing these measures, and the Court mandated regular inspections of institutional areas at least once every three months to ensure that stray dog habitats do not persist within or near these premises.

The Court also took note of the alarming public health impact of dog bites in India, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with rabies-related mortality. According to scientific assessments cited by the Court, including studies by the World Health Organization and the National Centre for Disease Control, a significant proportion of annual animal-related deaths in India are attributable to rabies, with over 90 percent of human cases resulting from bites inflicted by domestic or stray dogs. Vulnerable populations, particularly children, the elderly, and economically weaker sections, bear the brunt of this menace, often lacking timely access to post-exposure prophylaxis and other medical interventions.

The Supreme Court’s order further extended its focus to stray cattle and other animals on public roads. The bench emphasised that accidents caused by such animals on state highways, national highways, and expressways have become alarmingly frequent, endangering commuters and leading to preventable fatalities. The Court reaffirmed directions previously issued by the Rajasthan High Court and instructed municipal authorities, Public Works Departments, road and transport departments, and the National Highways Authority of India to undertake coordinated efforts to identify stretches of roads where stray cattle or other animals are frequently present and to remove and relocate these animals to appropriate shelters.

In addition to the relocation of animals, the Court directed structural and administrative measures to prevent the ingress of stray dogs into institutional areas. Educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, bus depots, and sports complexes must be secured with adequate fencing, boundary walls, gates, and other measures deemed necessary. Local municipal authorities were tasked with maintaining accountability, and any lapses in compliance would be taken seriously, with responsible officials being held liable.

The Court also laid down specific guidelines for healthcare preparedness. All government and private hospitals were required to maintain a mandatory stock of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin to ensure prompt treatment in case of dog bite incidents. Additionally, educational institutions were directed, through the Ministry of Education, to conduct awareness sessions for students and staff on preventive behaviour around animals, first aid for animal bites, and immediate reporting protocols to minimise risk and ensure timely medical intervention.

To monitor compliance, the Court instructed chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories to file affidavits within eight weeks, detailing the measures undertaken to secure institutional premises and the availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in government medical facilities. The bench also required states and Union Territories to submit comprehensive follow-up affidavits indicating remedial measures undertaken to address any lapses identified in reports filed by amicus curiae Gaurav Agrawal.

The Supreme Court emphasised that the primary objective of these directions is to protect the fundamental right to life and safety of citizens while ensuring that animal welfare principles are observed. The bench acknowledged the dual challenge of safeguarding human life and managing the welfare of stray animals but stressed that administrative apathy and lack of systemic measures can no longer be tolerated given the recurring incidents of injury and fatalities.

The matter arose from a suo motu case initiated by the Court on July 28, following media reports highlighting stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children in the national capital. The Court’s directions reflect a proactive approach to addressing the public health crisis associated with animal-related incidents and aim to establish a sustainable framework for preventing such occurrences in the future.

Advocates appearing for various parties had requested the bench to hear them before passing the directives, but the Court maintained that immediate action was warranted due to the gravity of the situation. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on January 13, 2026, to review compliance and assess the effectiveness of the measures implemented by states and local authorities.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s order represents a significant intervention in the management of stray animals in India, underscoring the state’s duty to protect citizens from preventable risks while balancing animal welfare considerations. By mandating sterilisation, vaccination, relocation, structural measures in institutions, and preparedness in healthcare facilities, the Court has laid down a comprehensive blueprint to address one of the country’s long-standing public health and safety challenges.

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