New Delhi: In a significant ruling aimed at addressing the growing threat of stray dog attacks, the Supreme Court on Tuesday permitted authorities to take legally permissible measures, including euthanasia of rabid and aggressive dogs, while refusing to dilute its earlier directions on relocating stray dogs from public places. The court said dangerous and infected dogs posing a threat to human life can be dealt with under applicable rules and protocols.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria dismissed multiple pleas seeking modifications to its November 2025 directions, which mandated that stray dogs picked up from public spaces such as hospitals, schools, bus stands, and railway stations should not be released back to the same locations after sterilisation or vaccination. Instead, such dogs must remain confined to shelters.

The apex court cited “deeply disturbing” incidents of dog attacks involving children, elderly citizens, and even international travellers, observing that the menace had spread to critical public areas, including airports and residential zones. Holding state authorities responsible for failing to safeguard citizens, the court said the recurring incidents reflected serious shortcomings in the implementation of existing rules.

The court also warned that officials failing to enforce its directives could face contempt proceedings and disciplinary action. The judgment, authored by Justice Sandeep Mehta, stressed that Article 21 guarantees citizens the right to access public places without fear of physical harm. The court stated that the state cannot remain a passive observer when preventable threats to human life persist despite legal mechanisms designed to address them.

Among additional directions, the court asked states and Union Territories to establish Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres, ensure the availability of anti-rabies vaccines, and implement Animal Welfare Board guidelines. It also directed High Courts to monitor compliance through suo motu proceedings.

Additionally, High Courts were asked to initiate suo motu proceedings to monitor compliance, while the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was directed to address the issue of stray cattle on highways.

The judgment further criticised the “sporadic, underfunded and uneven” implementation of Animal Birth Control rules, stating that prolonged institutional inaction had significantly worsened the stray dog issue. DeshGujarat