The Supreme Court on Friday issued strict directives to states, Union Territories, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and all municipalities regarding the growing menace of stray animals on roads and highways across the country.
New Delhi: During the hearing of a case related to stray dogs, the Supreme Court issued important directives to all states and Union Territories. The Court stated that all stray animals should be removed from roads, state highways, and national highways to ensure the safety of citizens and commuters.
In this regard, the apex court has issued clear instructions not only to state governments but also to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and municipalities. The court stated that it is the responsibility of these entities to take effective measures to prevent the movement of animals on roads.
Supreme Court stated - 'Roads are for humans, not for animals'
During the hearing, the apex court observed that road accidents are continuously occurring in many parts of the country due to stray cattle, cows, and dogs, leading to an increasing loss of life and property. A bench headed by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud remarked that roads and highways are for public transit, not for animals to stay or roam. It is the responsibility of the states to take concrete steps to prevent such situations.
The Supreme Court ordered that 'Highway Surveillance Teams' be constituted in every state and Union Territory to apprehend stray animals, remove them from roads, and keep them safely in 'Animal Shelters'. These teams will comprise officials from the police, municipal corporations, and the animal husbandry department. The court also stated that such arrangements should be implemented in every district and regularly monitored.
The court stated, "States cannot fulfill their duty merely by issuing orders. They must ensure that animals are actually removed from every highway and road, and the safety of citizens is prioritized."
NHAI and Municipalities also assigned responsibility
The Supreme Court also directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to monitor the presence of animals along roadsides in conjunction with state administrations and to install protective barriers and warning signs (Warning Boards) where necessary. Similarly, municipalities have been ordered to conduct special drives to remove animals from urban and town roads and to fix their accountability.
The court also expressed concern over the increasing menace of stray dogs in its order. The Supreme Court stated that stray dogs should be removed from educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, and railway stations across the country and kept in safe animal shelters (Animal Shelters). The Court clarified that even after vaccination, these dogs should not be released back into the same locality, as it could affect public safety and hygiene.
State Governments to submit report
The Supreme Court has ordered all states and Union Territories to file a detailed Status Report with the court within four weeks, specifying —
- how many stray animals have been removed from roads and highways,
- how many shelter homes have been established or activated,
- and to what extent the surveillance system has been implemented.
Furthermore, the Court has directed that this report will be reviewed in the next hearing, and action may be taken against the concerned officials if negligence is found. The Court will hold the next hearing in this matter on January 13.
