Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court of India has upheld its earlier directions on stray dog management, stating that the right to life with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right of citizens to move freely in public spaces without fear of dog attacks.
A bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath refused to recall previous directions concerning stray dogs picked up from sensitive public locations such as hospitals, schools, railway stations, airports and bus stands. The Court observed that authorities “cannot remain oblivious to the harsh realities” arising from increasing incidents of dog bites and attacks, particularly involving children and elderly persons.
The Court clarified that stray dogs captured from such institutional or high-risk public areas should not be released back into the same locations after sterilisation or vaccination. It held that such spaces cannot automatically be treated as permanent habitats for community dogs under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
The Supreme Court also permitted authorities to take legally permissible measures, including euthanasia, in cases involving rabid, incurably ill or demonstrably dangerous and aggressive dogs, strictly in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the Animal Birth Control Rules and veterinary assessment protocols.
The Court directed states and local authorities to strengthen implementation of sterilisation, vaccination and shelter infrastructure while ensuring better public safety measures in areas witnessing frequent dog attacks.
