Supreme Court Orders States to Keep Stray Dogs Away from Schools, Hospitals and Public Places
New Delhi, 7th November 2025: In a significant move to curb the growing menace of stray dog attacks, the Supreme Court on Friday directed all states and union territories to ensure that stray dogs are kept away from schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stands, and other public areas. The apex court also ordered that these institutions be fenced to prevent animals from entering their premises.
The bench observed that the frequent incidents of dog bites in educational and healthcare institutions, sports complexes, railway stations, and bus depots highlight “not just administrative negligence but a systemic failure.” The court said that captured stray dogs should no longer be released at the same location from which they were picked up and must instead be accommodated in shelter homes.
The order further extended to all national and state highways, directing that stray animals be removed immediately to ensure public safety. Chief Secretaries of all states have been instructed to strictly enforce the directives and submit a compliance affidavit and status report within three weeks. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for January 13, 2025.
The Supreme Court noted that the increasing number of dog bite cases was harming public safety, tourism, and India’s global image.
Key Directives from the Supreme Court Order:
- Helpline numbers must be installed along all national highways to report stray animal sightings.
- Chief Secretaries of all states must ensure strict implementation and file a compliance report within three weeks.
- State governments and UTs must identify all schools, colleges, and hospitals — government and private — where stray animals roam, and erect fences within two weeks.
- A nodal officer must be appointed to oversee maintenance of the fences and campuses.
- Local bodies including municipal corporations, municipalities, and panchayats must inspect these institutions every three months.
- Captured stray dogs must not be released back into the same locality.
- Continuous 24×7 monitoring must be implemented at railway stations, bus depots, stadiums, and sports complexes.
- All government hospitals must ensure the availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin.
- The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has been asked to issue a Special Operations Procedure (SOP) within four weeks.
Rajasthan High Court Order Now Applicable Nationwide
The Supreme Court also extended to the entire country a similar order issued three months ago by the Rajasthan High Court, which had directed the removal of stray animals from roads and instructed police to file FIRs against those obstructing such action.
Background of the Case
The case originated from the Supreme Court’s suo motu cognizance of a media report dated July 28, highlighting rising stray dog attacks and rabies-related deaths, particularly among children in Delhi. The apex court later expanded the scope of the case to cover all states and union territories.
While some petitioners argued that the latest order was too harsh, the Supreme Court maintained that it was essential to ensure the safety of citizens. The court also said it would soon issue separate regulations regarding the feeding of dogs on government campuses.
