In a significant step in tackling the menace of stray dog attacks, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued strict directives to all higher education institutions (HEIs) across India to prevent the entry and habitation of stray dogs on campuses, citing safety concerns for students and staff. The move follows a Supreme Court order highlighting an alarming increase in dog-bite cases nationwide.
In a circular dated December 18, 2025, UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi instructed universities and colleges to appoint a dedicated nodal officer responsible for campus upkeep, cleanliness, and ensuring no stray dogs enter or reside on premises. The nodal officer’s details must be prominently displayed at entrances and shared with local authorities.
The circular states that every educational institution is directed to conduct awareness sessions for students and staff on preventive behaviour around animals, first-aid in case of bites, and immediate reporting protocols.
#Breaking – UGC Directs Institutions to Secure Campuses Following SC Order on Stray Dogs.
— Deepak Singh (@SinghDeepakUP) December 19, 2025
In a letter issued Thursday, the University Grants Commission (UGC) instructed all states, Union Territories, and the Central Government to ensure educational institutions and public places… pic.twitter.com/0490I2JOLS
UGC has also mandated that the universities and colleges will have to deploy security or ground-keeping personnel for round-the-clock vigilance in stadiums and sports complexes to prevent entry or habitation of stray dogs.
The order states that all other guidelines as per the Supreme Court order dated 7th November, 2025 will have to be followed to implement the safety of students and staff and to curb the dog bites incidents.
The UGC’s action stems from a Supreme Court order on November 7, 2025, in a suo motu case, which directed states, Union Territories, and central authorities to secure educational institutions, hospitals, sports facilities, bus depots, and railway stations from stray dogs. The court emphasized relocating captured dogs to designated shelters after sterilization and vaccination under the Animal Birth Control Rules, explicitly prohibiting their release back to the original locations to avoid undermining safety efforts.
The Supreme Court initiated the case earlier in 2025 after taking cognizance of media reports on escalating dog-bite incidents, particularly affecting children. Official data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicates millions of dog-bite cases annually, with rabies remaining a significant public health threat. The Ministry of Education forwarded the court’s directives to the UGC on December 12, seeking compliance reports from institutions. Similar directives have
