SC orders relocation of stray dogs from institutions amid rising bite incidents
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern over the “alarming rise” in dog bite cases across institutional areas such as educational centres and hospitals, directing that all such stray canines be moved to designated shelters.
A three-judge special bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria issued several directions in the ongoing stray dogs case. The court asked authorities to ensure the removal of stray animals, including cattle, from highways and expressways and to relocate them to shelters.
It also directed officials to prevent stray dogs from entering the premises of government and private educational institutions and hospitals to avert dog bite incidents. Stray dogs captured from these areas must not be released back into the same locations, the bench added.
The court instructed authorities, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to jointly identify stretches of highways where stray animals are frequently found. The matter will next be heard on January 13.
Earlier, on November 3, the apex court had indicated it would issue interim measures to address the “grave menace” of dog bites in institutional areas, particularly where employees feed and encourage strays.
The suo motu case was initiated on July 28 following media reports highlighting rising incidents of rabies caused by stray dog bites, especially among children in the national capital. The court has since expanded the case to include all states and Union territories.
