Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Stray Dogs Case Modification Pleas
The Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas seeking modification of earlier orders in the ongoing stray dogs case. This development came after extensive hearings where the court examined compliance reports from various states and authorities.
Court Proceedings and Key Submissions
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria heard detailed arguments before deciding to reserve the judgment. The proceedings saw amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwal presenting a comprehensive summary of steps taken by several states, including Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, in addressing the stray animal issue.
The bench also heard from counsel representing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding compliance with the court's November 7, 2025 direction. This order had specifically mandated the removal of stray animals from National Highways and the implementation of road fencing measures to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Directions to Animal Welfare Board of India
In a significant move, the Supreme Court directed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to expedite the processing of applications from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These applications seek permission to establish animal shelters or operate animal birth control facilities.
The bench emphasized urgency, stating, "Either you accept it or reject the applications but do it expeditiously." AWBI counsel informed the court that there had been a noticeable surge in such applications following the November 7 order, highlighting increased organizational interest in contributing to animal welfare initiatives.
Broader Context and Previous Concerns
The court's decision to reserve the verdict follows its recent expression of concern over state governments' failure to enhance their stray dog sterilization capacities. On Wednesday, the bench criticized the lack of tangible progress, remarking that states were "building castles in the air" rather than implementing effective measures.
This case originates from a suo motu proceeding initiated on July 28 last year, prompted by media reports detailing stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly affecting children in the national capital. The court has been actively monitoring the situation to ensure public health and animal welfare are balanced appropriately.
Key Orders and Future Steps
The Supreme Court has issued several crucial directives in this matter:
- On November 7, 2025, the court ordered the relocation of stray dogs from institutional areas like educational institutions, hospitals, and railway stations to designated shelters after sterilization and vaccination.
- It mandated that stray dogs once picked up shall not be released back to their original locations to prevent recurrence of issues.
- Authorities were directed to ensure the removal of all cattle and other stray animals from state highways, national highways, and expressways to enhance road safety.
- On January 13, the court indicated it would consider imposing "heavy compensation" for dog bite incidents and hold dog feeders accountable in such cases, emphasizing responsibility.
The court has also flagged concerns over the non-implementation of norms related to stray animals over the past five years, underscoring systemic delays. Parties involved have been asked to file their written submissions as early as possible to facilitate a comprehensive verdict.
This case continues to highlight the complex interplay between animal rights, public safety, and governmental accountability in India, with the Supreme Court playing a pivotal role in steering the national response.
