Supreme Court orders immediate removal of stray dogs and cattle from public spaces across India
New Delhi – The Supreme Court on Friday ordered state governments and Union Territories to remove all stray dogs from public institutions and transport hubs. The court said the animals must be sterilized, vaccinated, and shifted to designated shelters under the Animal Birth Control Rules.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria directed that the dogs not be released back to their original locations. The judges said returning them would defeat the goal of keeping educational campuses, hospitals, and transport areas free from strays.
The court placed responsibility on local municipal bodies. It gave them eight weeks, until January 13, 2026, to submit compliance reports. Within two weeks, states and UTs must identify all public and private institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots, and railway stations that fall under this order.
Next, the court instructed district magistrates to supervise fencing and gate installations at these places to block animal entry. Administrative heads must ensure proper boundaries and maintenance. Every institution must appoint a nodal officer to oversee cleanliness and prevent stray intrusion. The officer’s contact details must be displayed at the entrance and shared with local authorities.
To ensure accountability, the court asked municipal bodies and panchayats to inspect these premises every three months. The bench warned that any negligence would invite strict action.
The court also expanded its order to cover stray cattle and other animals on highways. It directed municipal bodies, transport departments, public works departments, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to identify accident-prone stretches and remove animals immediately.
All rescued cattle must be relocated to shelters or gaushalas with food, water, and veterinary care as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Animal Birth Control Rules 2023. Each authority must set up highway patrol teams for 24/7 surveillance and coordinate with local police and veterinary staff for quick response.
The bench also ordered helpline numbers to be displayed along highways, allowing commuters to report stray animal sightings or accidents in real time. These helplines must connect directly to local police, NHAI, and district control rooms.
The Supreme Court told all chief secretaries and the NHAI chairperson to enforce these directions strictly. They must monitor implementation on the ground and hold negligent officers personally accountable.
Finally, the bench demanded uniform execution across India. It instructed chief secretaries, NHAI officials, and the Ministry of Road Transport to file compliance certificates within eight weeks. These reports must outline shelter arrangements, patrol operations, and helpline installations.
With this order, the Supreme Court aims to safeguard public spaces and highways from stray animals while ensuring humane treatment through proper shelter and care.
