Supreme Court Hearing on Stray Dog Menace: Chief Secretaries Apologize, New Directions Pending
The Chief Secretaries of Indian states and Union Territories appeared before the Supreme Court and apologized for failing to file compliance affidavits on the stray dog menace. The Court announced it will issue directives regulating dog feeding on government premises and continue hearing the case, with a key order expected on November 7. The case involves enforcing sterilization, vaccination, and controlled feeding of stray dogs nationwide.
The Supreme Court of India convened a hearing on November 3, 2025, where Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories tendered an unconditional apology for not filing required compliance affidavits regarding stray dog control, as directed earlier. The three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria announced plans to issue directions regulating the feeding of stray dogs, particularly within government and public sector institutions, where employees have been supporting and feeding these animals. The Court postponed further hearings and scheduled an order release for November 7, during which it will also hear victims of dog attacks. This case originates from growing concerns about stray dog bites and the previous Supreme Court orders directing sterilization, vaccination, and return of healthy dogs to their original localities, while prohibiting release of rabid or aggressive dogs. The Court has expanded the case nationwide, requiring all states and UTs to comply with the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 and file detailed affidavits on resources such as shelters and vaccination programs. Earlier orders had faced criticism for being too harsh, especially a directive to permanently shelter all captured dogs without return. The Court seeks to balance public safety concerns with animal welfare and ensure effective implementation through coordinated state responses and legal enforcement against unauthorized feeding. The case highlights systemic failures over two decades and aims to establish a uniform national policy addressing the stray dog menace and its public safety impacts.
