The Supreme Court has directed local bodies to prioritise the safety of children, senior citizens, and vulnerable persons from stray dog attacks and to take stringent measures to prevent dog-bite incidents. The court stated that public safety cannot be ignored and placed responsibility on local administrations to ensure protection at schools, hospitals, and public spaces.
During a hearing in January, the court observed that those who keep or feed dogs must understand their responsibility and monitor the animals’ behaviour. The court said that dogs cannot be permitted to create fear or cause filth in public places.
Justice Mehta stated that anyone seeking to keep an animal must obtain a licence. The court also expressed concern over inadequate compliance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2001.
The court noted irregularities by local bodies in vaccination and sterilisation programmes, observing that deficiencies in these measures endanger human life and contribute to road accidents and an increase in dog-bite incidents.
Animal welfare experts and activists cautioned against removing stray dogs from their familiar territories, stating that such actions could worsen the situation. Karen Nazareth, Director of Human World for Animals, and former Union minister Maneka Gandhi said removal creates a territorial vacuum, increasing the likelihood of new and more aggressive dogs entering the area, potentially leading to a rise rather than a reduction in bite cases.
According to a Times of India report, more than 3.7 million dog-bite cases were recorded in India in 2024. While a decline was observed in 2025, the problem remains acute in states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, underscoring the challenge of balancing public safety with animal welfare.
