The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a suo motu matter concerning stray dogs on October 27, marking a crucial step toward resolving a nationwide debate on the management of street animals. The case, which originally focused on Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), has now expanded in scope to include all states and Union Territories. Alongside the primary suo motu matter, four other related pleas are also listed for hearing on the same day.

A three-judge special bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N. V. Anjaria, will preside over the proceedings. The top court’s involvement follows earlier orders and directions aimed at balancing public safety with animal welfare concerns, particularly in light of incidents involving rabies and dog bites.

The issue first gained prominence after a media report highlighted the rising number of stray dog bites in Delhi, particularly affecting children. Acting suo motu, the Supreme Court initially passed an order on July 28, urging immediate action to address the growing menace. Subsequently, on August 11, a two-judge bench issued directives for the municipal authorities in Delhi and surrounding NCR areas—Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram—to pick up stray dogs from all localities and relocate them to dog shelters.

However, the August 11 order sparked widespread protests across the country, with animal welfare groups and concerned citizens questioning the approach, which prohibited the release of vaccinated stray dogs. In response to the criticism, the Supreme Court revisited the matter. On August 22, a three-judge bench expanded the scope of the case and modified the previous directives. The bench noted that a blanket ban on releasing vaccinated dogs from pounds was “too harsh” and instead ordered that the animals be sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated, and then released back into the same area from which they were picked up.

The August 22 order also emphasized that the modified approach should not apply to dogs infected with rabies, suspected of being infected, or displaying aggression. It highlighted the need for uniform application of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules across all states and Union Territories, ensuring that municipal authorities nationwide adhere to a consistent protocol for stray dog management.

To monitor compliance, the apex court directed municipal authorities to file affidavits providing complete statistics on available resources, including dog pounds, veterinarians, dog-catching personnel, specially modified vehicles, and cages. This measure aims to ensure accountability and enable a transparent assessment of infrastructure and preparedness for managing stray dog populations.

The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a significant step in establishing a comprehensive, national-level policy on the treatment and management of stray dogs. By impleading all states and Union Territories, the bench has ensured that the issue will not remain confined to Delhi but will serve as a reference point for uniform regulations across the country.

Animal welfare experts and municipal authorities alike have welcomed the emphasis on sterilisation, vaccination, and safe release, noting that these measures balance public health concerns with humane treatment of stray animals. Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring adequate infrastructure, manpower, and coordination among municipalities to implement the court’s directives effectively.

The upcoming hearing on October 27 is expected to address not only procedural compliance but also the broader framework for nationwide stray dog management. Observers anticipate that the apex court may lay down definitive guidelines to prevent conflicts between public safety and animal rights, offering a long-term solution to a problem that has provoked public debate and protests across India.