Supreme Court Pulls Up States Over Stray Dogs Case:

Supreme Court Pulls Up States Over Stray Dogs Case: Chief Secretaries Summoned for Non-Compliance

Apex court warns of strict action as most states fail to follow sterilization and vaccination orders

Rising dog bite incidents spark national concern; only a few states comply with court directives

By Our Legal Correspondent

New Delhi: October 27, 2025: The Supreme Court of India has taken a tough stand against states and Union Territories for failing to comply with its earlier orders on the management of stray dogs. On October 27, 2025, a bench led by Justice Vikram Nath summoned the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories—except West Bengal, Telangana, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi—to appear before the court on November 3.

The court expressed deep concern over the rising number of dog bite incidents across the country and the lack of seriousness shown by state governments in implementing its directives. The order marks a significant moment in India’s ongoing debate over stray dog management, balancing public safety with animal welfare.

Background of the Case

The stray dog issue has been under judicial scrutiny for years. The Supreme Court, through a series of orders, has tried to create a framework for humane management of stray dogs.

In August 2022, the court directed civic bodies to capture stray dogs, sterilize and vaccinate them, and then release them back into their localities.
The order was based on the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which emphasize sterilization and vaccination as the only lawful methods of controlling stray dog populations.
The court also asked states to file compliance affidavits, detailing the steps taken to implement these rules.

However, most states failed to submit these affidavits, prompting the court’s latest intervention.

Supreme Court’s Strong Observations

During the October 27 hearing, the bench expressed disappointment at the lack of compliance.

Justice Vikram Nath remarked that the states had shown “complete disregard” for the court’s orders.
The court noted that only West Bengal, Telangana, and Delhi had filed compliance reports.
The bench warned that if Chief Secretaries failed to appear on November 3, the court would consider imposing penalties or taking coercive steps.

The judges also highlighted that the issue was not just about legal compliance but about public safety and India’s global image, as reports of dog bite incidents have been widely covered in international media.

Rising Dog Bite Incidents

The urgency of the matter stems from the increasing number of dog bite cases across India.

According to government data, over 1.5 crore dog bite cases were reported in the last five years.
Several states, including Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, have witnessed alarming spikes in such incidents.
In some cases, children have lost their lives, sparking public outrage and protests.

The Supreme Court noted that the failure to control stray dog populations has created a public health crisis, with risks of rabies and other infections.

States’ Response

While some states have cited lack of funds and infrastructure as reasons for delay, the court has made it clear that excuses will not be tolerated.

Kerala has argued that mass sterilization is logistically difficult, given the large stray dog population.
Maharashtra has said that urban local bodies are struggling with manpower shortages.
Delhi, West Bengal, and Telangana have been praised for at least filing compliance reports, though the court has asked for more detailed action plans.

The court’s summons to Chief Secretaries is seen to hold top officials personally accountable.

Balancing Public Safety and Animal Rights

The stray dog issue in India is highly sensitive, as it involves both human safety and animal rights.

Animal rights groups argue that stray dogs should not be killed, and sterilization and vaccination are the only humane solutions.
Residents in many cities, however, demand stronger measures, including culling, to prevent attacks.
The Supreme Court has consistently upheld the Animal Birth Control Rules, which prohibit killing of stray dogs except in cases where they are incurably ill or rabid.

This balancing act has made implementation difficult, as local authorities face pressure from both sides.

Possible Outcomes of the November 3 Hearing

The upcoming hearing on November 3 will be crucial. Possible outcomes include:

Strict timelines: The court may set deadlines for states to complete sterilization and vaccination drives.
Penalties: Non-compliant states could face fines or contempt proceedings.
Central monitoring: The court may direct the Union government to create a central monitoring mechanism.
Public accountability: States may be asked to publish regular progress reports for public scrutiny.

Expert Opinions

Legal experts say the Supreme Court’s intervention was inevitable.

Senior advocates note that repeated non-compliance undermines the authority of the judiciary.
Public health experts stress that sterilization and vaccination are the only sustainable solutions.
Animal welfare activists welcome the court’s insistence on humane methods but warn against knee-jerk measures that could harm animals.

Impact on Citizens

For ordinary citizens, the ruling offers hope that the government will finally take concrete steps to address the stray dog menace.

Parents of young children have been demanding urgent action.
Urban residents want safer streets and parks.
Rural areas, where dog bite cases are often underreported, may also benefit from stricter enforcement.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision to summon Chief Secretaries marks a turning point in India’s struggle with stray dog management. By holding top officials accountable, the court has sent a clear message that public safety cannot be compromised and that animal welfare laws must be respected.

The November 3 hearing will determine whether states finally take the issue seriously or continue to delay action. For millions of citizens and animal lovers alike, the outcome could shape the future of India’s approach to stray dogs for years to come.