Supreme Court Orders Stray Dogs to Be Shifted to Shelters, Directs NHAI to Remove Cattle from Highways
Court stresses safety of children and commuters, asks authorities to act immediately.
Judges underline balance between animal welfare and public safety in landmark ruling.
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: November 07, 2025:
In a major step toward ensuring public safety, the Supreme Court of India has ordered authorities to remove stray dogs from schools and bus stands and shift them to shelters. The Court also directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to clear cattle from highways, highlighting rising accidents caused by stray animals.
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The Court emphasized the need for coordinated action by state governments, municipal bodies, and highway authorities to address the growing menace of stray animals in public spaces.
Supreme Court’s Key Directions:
- Stray Dogs: Must be removed from schools, bus stands, and sensitive public areas and shifted to shelters managed by local authorities or NGOs.
- Cattle on Highways: NHAI must act immediately to clear cattle and ensure rules preventing grazing on national highways are strictly enforced.
- Coordination: State and local authorities must collaborate to implement the Court’s directions without delay.
The Court noted that dog bite cases have surged across India, with many incidents near schools. It stressed that children and commuters must be protected from the threat of stray animals.
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Balancing Animal Welfare and Human Safety:
- The Court clarified that its order should not lead to cruelty; dogs must be cared for, vaccinated, and sterilized in shelters.
- Cattle should be responsibly managed and not left to wander highways, preventing fatal accidents.
- Human safety must take priority when lives are at risk, the Court emphasized.
Reactions and Impact:
- Animal Welfare Groups: Welcomed the focus on shelters and sterilization but warned against overcrowding.
- Parents & Schools: Supported the move for safer school zones free from stray dogs.
- Commuters: Praised the decision to remove cattle from highways as a life-saving measure.
Implementation Challenges:
- Infrastructure: Lack of proper shelters in many urban areas.
- Funding: Limited municipal budgets for animal welfare.
- Enforcement: Need for consistent coordination among state and local bodies.
The ruling sets a new benchmark in balancing animal rights and human safety. Legal experts believe this judgment will push governments to build better shelters, enforce road safety norms, and prioritize protection of citizens.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s order to remove stray dogs from schools and bus stands, and to clear cattle from highways, marks a landmark shift in India’s approach to animal management and public safety. By mandating immediate action, the Court reinforces that human lives cannot be compromised while upholding compassion for animals.
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