SC Refuses To Modify Its Order To Remove Stray Dogs From Public Places

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed all applications, pleas for modification, and recall of the November 7, 2025, order of the apex court on relocation and sterilisation of stray dogs.

The Court also dismissed all pleas challenging the validity of standard operating procedures issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India on stray animals.

The top court is monitoring the compliance with its November 2025 order, according to which local authorities were mandated to remove stray dogs from the premises of bus stands, railway stations, hospitals, schools, campuses and other public institutions.

The bench hearing the case said there has been an absence of sustained efforts on the part of States, UTs to build infrastructure to deal with the rising population of stray dogs.

The apex court further directed the States, UTs to ensure coordinated efforts to augment infrastructure to deal with the stray dog population and observed that “right to life with dignity encompasses the right to live freely without threat of harm from dogs.”

“The court can’t remain oblivious to harsh ground realities where kids, travellers, elderly have fallen victim to dog bite incidents,” the bench asserted.