The Supreme Court on Monday, 27 October 2025, expressed serious concern over the growing menace of stray dogs across India, observing that the recurring incidents of attacks had damaged the country’s global image.
“Continuous incidents are happening. Your country is being shown as down in the eyes of foreign nations. We are also reading news reports,” Justice Vikram Nath remarked during the hearing. When a counsel highlighted instances of cruelty against dogs, the bench countered, “What about the cruelty towards humans?”
The bench, which is hearing a suo motu case on the issue, noted that several states had failed to comply with its earlier directions. Taking exception to the lapse, the court said, “Your officers don’t read newspapers? Were they not aware of our orders?” It then directed the Chief Secretaries of all states except West Bengal, Delhi and Telangana to remain present before it for failing to file compliance affidavits.
The judges also expressed frustration at the growing number of parties seeking to intervene in the matter. “Also if all RWA wants to be party… how many crores of parties we will have here before us. Make suggestions which are reasonable,” the bench said.
The ongoing case originated in late July after reports of fatal stray dog attacks and rabies-related deaths in the Delhi-NCR region. In its first significant order on 11 August 2025, a two-judge bench had instructed authorities to capture all stray dogs in the NCR and keep them permanently in shelters. The directive drew strong criticism from animal welfare organisations, who termed the move both unworkable and inhumane.
On 22 August 2025, a newly constituted three-judge bench revisited the order, calling it “too harsh,” and expanded the scope of the case to include all states and Union Territories. The bench also decided to transfer similar cases pending before various high courts to the Supreme Court, with the aim of developing a unified national policy in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
The matter will next be taken up on 27 October 2025, when the apex court is expected to review compliance reports and suggestions from the states.
(Source: News18)
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