Supreme Court orders immediate removal of stray dogs from public spaces, mandates nationwide relocation to shelters

In a sweeping intervention aimed at securing public spaces, the Supreme Court on November 7 ordered the immediate removal of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, depots and railway stations across the country.

All animals picked up must be sterilized, vaccinated and relocated to designated shelters — and must not be returned to their original locations, the court said.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria said releasing the dogs back to the same premises would “frustrate” the objective of ensuring that institutional spaces remain free of stray animals. The judges placed the full responsibility of relocation and long-term oversight on local municipal authorities.

Two-week deadline for mapping sensitive institutions

The court directed all states and Union Territories to identify — within two weeks — every government and private school, college, hospital, medical facility, stadium, sports complex, bus stand, depot and railway station within their jurisdiction.

These institutions must be secured with proper fencing, boundary walls, gates and any other measures necessary to prevent stray dog entry, under the supervision of district magistrates, the SC said.

Every institution will also be required to appoint a nodal officer responsible for cleanliness and ensuring that no stray dog inhabits the premises. Their details must be displayed at entrances and shared with municipal authorities. Local bodies and panchayats have been ordered to conduct inspections at least every three months, with the court warning that any lapse “shall be viewed seriously”.

Highway cattle menace also under court scrutiny

Extending the scope beyond dogs, the court also ordered a coordinated crackdown on stray cattle and animals on highways and expressways. Municipal bodies, road and transport departments, PWDs, Panchayati Raj institutions and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been tasked with jointly identifying vulnerable stretches and relocating animals to shelters, gaushalas or cattle pounds with adequate food, water and veterinary care.

To prevent accidents, dedicated 24/7 highway patrol teams must be constituted, coordinating with police, veterinary officers and local authorities. Helpline numbers must be displayed prominently along national and state highways to allow commuters to report stray animals in real time.

Strict accountability, nationwide compliance

The court has held chief secretaries of all states, UTs and the NHAI chairperson personally accountable for enforcement, directing them to issue administrative orders and monitor ground-level implementation. They must also file compliance certificates within eight weeks, detailing relocation mechanisms, highway patrol functioning and operational helpline systems.

States and UTs have been asked to submit comprehensive affidavits before the next hearing on January 13, 2026, outlining corrective steps and addressing gaps flagged by the court-appointed amicus curiae, advocate Gaurav Agarwal.

The Court has made it clear: uniform, nationwide action is no longer optional — it is mandatory.