On 19th May, the Supreme Court of India said in its judgment in the suo motu case against the stray dog menace that aggressive stray dogs may be euthanised by competent authorities, if required. Till now, only incurably ill dogs were allowed to be euthanised. The apex court said that it is necessary to protect human life and public safety. The Court added that such action must be based on assessment by qualified veterinary experts and must be carried out in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules and other applicable legal protocols.
The Court also refused to modify its 7th November 2025 order that directed authorities to remove stray dogs from public places including hospitals, schools, colleges, railway stations and other such establishments.
Court: we have divided the judgement into theee parts. We have given detailed consideration to applications seeking recall of Nov 7 judgement. We have dismissed all the applications.
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) May 19, 2026
Court: In para 85 we have concluded- this courts finds no reason to interfere with the Nov SOP…
No ordinary FIR against officials implementing court directions
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria also gave major protection to officials implementing its directions against the stray dog menace. There have been several reports that officials face abuse, attacks and FIRs by self-styled dog lovers if they attempt to impose regulations.
The Court made it clear that no criminal proceedings or FIR should ordinarily be initiated against officials acting in good faith while carrying out court directions. The court added that an FIR may be registered only when there is a prima facie case of mala fide conduct or gross abuse of authority.
ABC framework failed
The Court made a very important observation in its judgment that the Animal Birth Control (ABC) framework, which was introduced in 2001 and modified in 2023, has failed. The court stated that it has suffered due to sporadic, underfunded and uneven implementation across the country. The apex court said that if the states and UTs had acted with due diligence, foresight, timely expansion of sterilisation capacity, sustained vaccination drives and proper institutional infrastructure, the present crisis would not have reached such alarming proportions.
Court: this court is constrained to observe that pronounced inaction on effective implementation of ABC framework has resulted in in aggravation of the problem. Stray dog bites continue to occur. Reports reveal that the problem has assumed deeply disturbing proportions. In the…
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) May 19, 2026
Right to life includes the right to access public spaces without fear
The Court strongly noted that the right to life with dignity under Article 21 includes the right of every citizen to access public spaces without living under constant fear of physical harm, attack or exposure to life-threatening incidents like dog bites. It said the state cannot remain a passive spectator when preventable threats to human life continue to grow.
Court flags attacks on children, elderly and ordinary citizens
Referring to the ground reality, the Bench said children have been mauled, elderly persons attacked, ordinary citizens left vulnerable in public spaces and even international travellers have become victims of such incidents. The Court said the harm caused by dog bites and stray dog attacks is not merely statistical, but has serious human, social and public health consequences.
Non-compliance may invite contempt and disciplinary action
The Supreme Court also warned states, Union Territories and municipal authorities that continued non-compliance or apathy in implementing its directions will be viewed seriously. Erring officials may face contempt proceedings, disciplinary action and tortious liability.
States told to set up ABC centres, ensure anti-rabies medicine
The Court directed states to strengthen the implementation of AWBI rules, establish at least one fully functional ABC centre in every district, expand centres as per population density, ensure adequate availability of anti-rabies medicine and take reasoned decisions to extend court directions to other public places for public safety. It also directed NHAI to address stray cattle on national highways and create a monitoring and coordination framework.
-HC shall be at liberty to pass appropriate orders to prevent vexatious proceedings against such officials.
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) May 19, 2026
– entrusting HCs responsibility for monitoring would ensure engagement with local conditions
– all HCs shall register suo motu case in continuing mandamus for monitoring…
High Courts to monitor compliance
High Courts have been directed to register suo motu cases to monitor compliance. Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories have been asked to file compliance reports before the High Courts by 7th August.
Background of the case
The matter began in July last year when the Supreme Court took suo motu notice of a report on the death of a child after a dog attack. The case was later expanded to cover the stray dog issue across India, leading to the November directions on removing dogs from public institutions.
