Supreme Court Directs Educational Institutions to Prevent Stray Dog Entry Amid Rising Bite Incidents
New Delhi, 26th December 2025: In response to a growing number of stray dog attacks within educational campuses and public institutions, the Supreme Court has issued comprehensive directions to prevent the entry and habitation of stray animals on such premises. The order was passed on November 7, 2025, in a suo motu writ petition titled “City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price” (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5 of 2025).
Taking cognisance of the court’s observations, the Ministry of Education, in coordination with the University Grants Commission (UGC), has circulated binding advisories directing immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s instructions across all States, Union Territories, and Central educational institutions.
As part of the compliance framework, every higher educational institution has been directed to appoint a Nodal Officer responsible for campus maintenance, cleanliness, and preventing the entry of stray dogs. Institutions must prominently display the Nodal Officer’s contact details at campus entry points and share the information with local municipal bodies to ensure coordinated preventive action.
The advisory also mandates the organisation of regular awareness programmes for students, faculty, and non-teaching staff. These programmes will focus on safe behaviour around animals, first-aid measures in case of dog bites, and established reporting mechanisms to enable prompt medical and administrative response.
Recognising heightened risks at playgrounds, stadiums, and sports complexes, the Supreme Court has directed institutions to deploy dedicated security and ground staff at such locations. These areas must be monitored round the clock to prevent stray dogs from entering or settling within the premises, particularly during sporting activities.
Institutions have been instructed to strictly adhere to all guidelines outlined in the November 7 order, in addition to the measures detailed in the advisory, to curb dog bite incidents and enhance safety for students and staff.
The UGC clarified that its earlier advisory dated June 13, 2025, regarding the establishment of Animal Welfare Societies in higher educational institutions will continue to remain in force. It emphasised that all safety measures must be implemented in compliance with existing animal welfare norms.
Reporting Deadlines and Oversight
All universities and affiliated institutions have been directed to submit compliance reports through an online mechanism at the earliest. The Department of Higher Education has further instructed the UGC to appoint its own Nodal Officer and submit a consolidated compliance report to the Ministry.
The Ministry has also tasked the UGC with ensuring uniform enforcement of the Supreme Court’s directions across institutions under its jurisdiction.
The coordinated intervention by the Supreme Court, Ministry of Education, and the UGC underscores the government’s focus on safeguarding educational environments, preventing avoidable injuries, and addressing mounting concerns over stray animal presence on campuses nationwide.
