The Supreme Court of India has underscored the imperative of keeping public roads clear of stray dogs to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. During a hearing on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the apex court highlighted the dangers posed by canines roaming freely on streets, particularly to two-wheeler riders and cyclists.
Bench Questions Feasibility of Identifying Aggressive Dogs
Presiding over a three-judge bench comprising Justices Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria, Justice Vikram Nath questioned the practicality of identifying dogs that are likely to attack. The bench was hearing a suo motu case concerning incidents of stray dog bites.
Justice Nath pointed out that the threat is not limited to bites. "They may chase somebody on a two-wheeler… they may fall and an accident could occur. But by their running on the roads itself is dangerous, for passing vehicles, especially two-wheelers, cyclists… in some areas they do that," he observed. Concluding the point, he stated, "The roads have to be clean and clear of dogs, no need to have them running around, causing accidents."
Debate Between Animal Welfare and Practical Enforcement
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing animal welfare groups, argued that not all stray dogs are aggressive and that the solution lies in identifying the problematic ones. He advocated for the scientifically accepted Capture, Sterilise, Vaccinate, and Release (CSVR) method outlined in the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
In a sharp retort, Justice Nath asked, "How do you identify? You cannot identify. Which dog is in which mood in the morning, you do not know!" Sibal countered that putting every dog in shelters was not a solution, calling it "physically not possible, economically not feasible and dangerous for humans."
Justice Mehta remarked sarcastically, "Only thing which is left out is providing counselling to the dogs as well, that he shall not bite once he is released back."
Court to Monitor State Compliance Closely
The bench revealed that its primary aim is to ensure strict adherence to existing rules and modules by state authorities, a task that has seen lax implementation for decades. The court had earlier directed states and Union Territories to remove dogs from premises of schools, hospitals, and transport hubs and file status reports.
Justice Nath warned, "We will be harsh on those states which have not responded in such a serious matter… We have to make sure they do it the right way." Amicus Curiae Gaurav Aggarwal informed that except for Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Karnataka, other states have filed their reports.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta suggested that gated communities could decide via a voting process on whether to allow strays within their premises. The bench has adjourned the proceedings to Thursday for further hearing.
