2025 INSC 1357 1

REPORTABLE

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

INHERENT/CIVIL ORIGINAL/

EXTRAORDINARY APPELLATE JURISDICTION

SUO MOTO WRIT PETITION(CIVIL) NO(S). 5 OF 2025

IN RE: “CITY HOUNDED BY STRAYS, KIDS PAY

PRICE”

WITH

SLP(CIVIL) NO(S). 14763 OF 2024

SLP(CIVIL) NO(S). 17623 OF 2025

WRIT PETITION(CIVIL) NO(S). 784 OF 2025

SLP(CIVIL) NO(S). OF 2025

(Diary No. 45707 OF 2025)

T.C. (CIVIL) NO. 140 OF 2025

CONTEMPT PETITION (C) NO(S). 749 OF 2025 IN

SLP(CIVIL) NO(S). 14763 OF 2024

O R D E R

Mehta, J.

1. This Court, vide order dated 22

nd August, 2025,

after considering the submissions made on behalf of

the parties and the material placed on record, had

2

supplemented, modified, and clarified the earlier

directions issued vide order dated 11

th August, 2025.

2. The directions contained in the order dated 22

nd

August, 2025, inter alia, mandated the municipal

authorities to continue the exercise of capturing,

sterilising, deworming, and vaccinating stray dogs in

accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules,

2023, while permitting the release of sterilised and

immunised dogs to the same localities from which

they were picked up, except those infected with or

suspected to be infected with rabies and those

exhibiting aggressive behaviour. The Court further

directed the creation of designated feeding zones for

stray dogs, establishment of municipal helplines for

reporting violations, and the filing of comprehensive

compliance affidavits by the respective municipal

authorities.

3. The aforesaid directions were extended to all

States and Union Territories, and the Registry was

directed to seek information from the Registrar

Generals of the High Courts with respect to similar

matters pending before them, so that a uniform and

3

coherent approach to the menace of stray dogs could

be evolved across the country.

4. The present order shall address three distinct

issues, which are being dealt with in separate parts

for clarity and convenience. Part I pertains to the

compliance affidavits filed by the States and Union

Territories pursuant to this Court’s earlier directions

and the summary report prepared by the learned

Amicus Curiae, Shri Gaurav Ag rawal. Part II

concerns the modification, application and

implementation of the directions issued by the High

Court of Judicature for Rajasthan at Jodhpur in D.B.

Civil Writ Petition No. 14726 of 2025. Part III

concerns the issuance of further directions in respect

of institutional areas, including educational

establishments, hospitals, sports complexes, and

other public spaces such as railway stations and bus

depots, where incidents of dog-bite attacks continue

to be reported with alarming frequency, raising a

cause of grave concern and requiring emergent

remedial measures.

4

PART I: Compliance Affidavits filed by States and

UTs and Summary prepared by Amicus Curiae

5. Pursuant to the direction contained in

paragraph 33(i) of the order dated 22

nd August, 2025

and the subsequent order dated 27

th October, 2025,

all States and all Union Territories, except the Union

Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman &

Diu, have submitted their respective compliance

affidavits before this Court. The learned amicus

curiae, Shri Gaurav Agrawal, has been requested vide

order dated 3

rd November, 2025, to examine the said

affidavits and to place before this Court a concise

summary of the affidavits filed by the States and

Union Territories in purported compliance with the

directions issued by this Court.

6. In compliance of the order dated 3

rd November,

2025, the learned amicus curiae, Shri Gaurav

Agrawal, has made a herculean effort and has filed a

report summarising the compliance affidavits

submitted by the respective States and Union

Territories. The report highlights several grave

deficiencies and shortcomings in the information

furnished by certain States and Union Territories, as

5

well as areas where compliance with the directions

issued by this Court has either not been effected or

remains incomplete. The learned amicus curiae has

also tendered constructive suggestions and

recommendations to ensure effective and uniform

implementation of this Court’s orders across

jurisdictions.

7. The report submitted by the learned Amicus

Curiae, Shri Gaurav Agrawal, is taken on record and

shall form part of this Order. The Registry is directed

to annex the same as Schedule I. The contents of the

said report shall be read as part and parcel of this

order for all purposes. The States and Union

Territories shall peruse the report and take

appropriate steps to address the deficiencies and

shortcomings pointed out therein. Each State and

Union Territory shall file comprehensive additional

affidavits before the next date of hearing, specifically

indicating the remedial measures undertaken to

ensure full compliance with this Court’s directions

and to rectify the lapses highlighted in the report of

the learned amicus curiae. Any lethargy in this regard

shall be viewed seriously.

6

PART II: Modification, Application and

Implementation of the Directions issued by High

Court of for Rajasthan at Jodhpur in D.B. Civil

Writ Petition No. 14726 of 2025.

8. It is a matter of grave and continuing public

concern that accidents caused by cattle and other

stray animals on public roads and highways have

become alarmingly frequent across the country. Such

incidents, often resulting in loss of human life,

grievous injuries, and damage to property, are not

isolated events but symptomatic of a larger failure on

the part of the administrative authorities entrusted

with public safety. The uncontrolled presence of

cattle and stray animals on National Highways ,

National Expressways, and State Highways,

constitutes a serious and avoidable threat,

particularly during night-time or in high-speed

zones.

9. This Court cannot remain unmindful of the

preventable nature of these accidents, which not only

reflect administrative indifference but also

undermine the constitutional guarantee of the right

to life and safety under Article 21. The need for

immediate, coordinated, and sustained action by all

7

concerned agencies, i.e., municipal authorities, road

and transport departments , public works

departments and highway authorities, cannot be

overstated.

10. Accordingly, this Court issues the following

directions:

A. The directions issued by the High Court of

Rajasthan at Jodhpur in D.B. Civil Writ Petition

No. 14726 of 2025 vide order dated 11

th

August,

2025, are hereby reaffirmed, to the extent that the

municipal authorities, road and transport

department/Public Works Department of all the

States and Union Territories and the National

Highways Authority of India (NHAI) shall ensure

the removal of all cattle and other stray animals

from the State Highways, National Highways, and

National Expressways falling within their

respective jurisdictions.

B. The concerned authorities, i.e., the municipal

authorities, the road and transport

department/Public Works Department of all the

States and Union Territories and the National

Highways Authority of India shall undertake a

joint, coordinated drive to identify stretches of

8

highways and expressways where stray cattle or

animals are frequently found, and shall take

immediate steps for their removal and relocation

to designated shelters. The cattle and other stray

animals so picked up shall be kept in appropriate

shelters or Gaushalas/cattle pounds, as the case

may be, and provided with all necessary food,

water, and veterinary care, in accordance with the

provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control (Dogs)

Rules, 2023.

C. Each authority shall constitute dedicated highway

patrol teams and/or assign existing road-safety

units for continuous surveillance and immediate

response to reports of stray cattle or other animals

obstructing the roadways. Such patrols shall

function on a 24x7 basis and coordinate with local

police stations, veterinary officers, and municipal

authorities/Panchayati Raj institutions.

D. All National Highways, State Highways, and

National Expressways shall have prominently

displayed helpline numbers at regular intervals,

enabling commuters to promptly report the

presence of stray animals or accidents caused

9

thereby. These helplines shall be linked to the

control rooms of the local police, National

Highways Authority of India , and district

administration for real-time redressal and

monitoring.

E. The Chief Secretaries of all States and Union

Territories, together with the Chair person,

National Highways Authority of India, shall ensure

strict enforcement of these directions through

appropriate administrative orders and field-level

monitoring. They shall hold the concerned officers

personally accountable for lapses or recurring

incidents in their respective jurisdictions.

F. The aforesaid directions shall be implemented

uniformly across India, and the Chief Secretaries

of all States and Union Territories; Chairperson,

National Highways Authority of India; and Ministry

of Road Transport and Highways, Union of India

shall file status-cum-compliance affidavits within

a period of eight weeks from today, indicating:

i. the mechanism established for removal and

sheltering of stray animals from highways;

ii. the constitution and functioning of patrol

teams; and

10

iii. the operational status of helpline facilities

and installation of sign boards displaying

helpline numbers.

11. The Registry shall forthwith implead the

National Highways Authority of India through its

Chairperson.

PART III: Directions regarding Institutional

Areas, i.e., educational institutions, hospitals,

sports complexes, bus stands/depots and railway

stations

12. In the interregnum, this Court has been

apprised through various news reports and media

accounts of disturbing increase in dog-bite incidents

within the premises of educational institutions,

hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands/depots

(including Inter-State Bus Terminals) and railway

stations, generically speaking, institutional areas.

Instances of children being attacked in school

campuses, patients and attendants being bitten

within hospital compounds, athletes as well as

officials being attacked by stray dogs inside sports

stadiums and passengers/travellers being attacked

11

by stray dogs at bus stands/depots and railway

stations, have come to the notice of this Court.

13. The recurrence of such incidents, particularly

within institutional spaces meant for learning,

healing, and recreation, reflects not only

administrative apathy but also a systemic failure to

secure these premises from preventable hazards. The

situation calls for immediate judicial intervention to

safeguard the fundamental right to life and safety of

citizens, especially children, patients, and

sportspersons, under Article 21 of the Constitution of

India.

14. After Independence, despite significant

advances in public health, India continues to report

one of the world’s highest statistics of rabies-related

mortality. Scientific assessments, including those

conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO)

and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),

have estimated that a large ratio of animal related

deaths annually in India were attributable to rabies,

with over 90% of human cases resulting from bites

inflicted by domestic or stray dogs. The brunt of this

menace has been borne by children, elderly people

12

and economically weaker sections who in addition of

being vulnerable, also lack timely access to post-

exposure prophylaxis.

15. Recognising the need for a humane yet effective

framework, the Government of India, in exercise of its

powers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Act, 1960, promulgated the Animal Birth Control

Rules, 2001, subsequently amended and

supplemented from time to time. These Rules

established the Capture-Sterilize-Vaccinate-

Release (CSVR) model as the principal method for

controlling the stray dog population, thereby

prohibiting indiscriminate culling of stray dogs and

mandating municipal authorities to manage

sterilisation, vaccination, and sheltering in

coordination with animal welfare organisations.

However, the implementation of these Rules has been

ineffective, to say the least, across jurisdictions and

the persistence of stray dog population has continued

to imperil public safety in many parts of the country.

13

16. It has also been brought to the notice of this

Court through a report published by NDTV

1, that

even foreign nationals visiting India are falling prey

to unprovoked stray dog attacks . In one such

incident which took place in Bengaluru, a Welsh

entrepreneur was bitten by a stray dog during a

morning run. This incident underscores that the

menace is neither confined to rural or densely

populated localities nor limited to vulnerable citizens,

but has assumed proportions that affect public

safety, tourism, and the image of the country in the

global perspective.

17. In addition, particular vulnerability has been

observed in institutional spaces such as educational

institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus

stands/depots (including Inter-State Bus Terminals)

and railway stations. These facilities/places, by

virtue of their open design, congregation of persons

and frequent availability of edible waste, provide

favourable conditions for the habitation of free-

roaming stray dogs. Reports from across India have

1 Welsh Entrepreneur Bitten by Stray Dog During Run in Bengaluru: ‘Ask

Dogesh Bhai…; LINK: https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/welsh-entrepreneur-bitten-

by-stray-dog-during-run-in-bengaluru-ask-dogesh-bhai-9489758/amp/1.

14

demonstrated that such premises have repeatedly

become scenes of dog-bite incidents, causing injuries

to students, patients, staff and members of the

public, thereby underscoring the urgent need for

targeted preventive and administrative measures.

I. Educational institutions (schools, colleges,

universities, and coaching institutions

with/without residential/hostel facilities)

18. Educational institutions, particularly schools

and colleges with open campuses, have emerged as

areas of recurring dog-bite incidents. Children, due

to their small stature and uninformed interaction

with animals, are extra vulnerable to the same.

Several reported incidents have emerged over the

years, where students have sustained grievous

injuries within school/college premises or adjacent

playgrounds as a result of dog bites. Such cases have,

in several instances, necessitated surgical

reconstruction and emergency prophylactic

treatment for rabies. The frequency of such incidents

reflects deficiencies in institutional responsibility and

municipal oversight concerning the safety of

educational environments. We are informed that the

15

Campus of National Law School of India University,

Bengaluru has a huge population of strays which

threaten the safety of the students, staff and faculty

members alike.

Incidents:

• At a Government Lower Primary School ,

Panamaram, Wayanad, Kerala , a Class III

student was bitten by a stray dog inside a

classroom. The dog had given birth to pups near a

wash basin in an abandoned corner of the school

building (which had not been locked after

vacation).

2

• In Siswal village, Hisar district, Haryana, a stray

dog entered a government primary school, bit six

students, then also bit others in the village.

3

• Students from college within Bengaluru

University campus were bitten by stray dogs

while on campus (Kengeri area). Two college

students were hospitalised after the attack.

4

2 Stray dog bites student inside classroom in Wayanad school; LINK:

https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/09/08/stray -dog-bites-

studnet-in-wayand-school.html.

3 Stray dog bites 6 students in Hisar Village school; LINK:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/stray-dog-bites-6-

students-in-hisar-village-school/articleshow/123953280.cms.

4 Karnataka records 2.86 lakh dog bites, 26 rabies deaths this year, report

reveals; LINK: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/karnataka/story/karnataka -

dog-bites-deaths-2025-rabies-stray-dogs-supreme-court-order-delhi-ncr-data-

2770508-2025-08-13.

16

II. Hospitals and healthcare institutions

19. Ironically, the very institutions entrusted with

the treatment of dog-bite victims, have themselves

become susceptible to the menace. In hospitals and

several tertiary-care centres, patients, attendants

and staff have been attacked by packs of dogs

residing within hospital compounds. The problem is

exacerbated by improper waste disposal practices

and the presence of open areas that attract animals.

In addition, the continuous inflow of dog-bite victims

has strained medical resources, particularly the

availability of anti -rabies vaccines and

immunoglobulins, which are often in short supply.

Incidents:

• At Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Kilpauk,

Chennai, multiple patients were bitten by stray

dogs in a few days.

5

• At Ernakulam General Hospital, Kochi, a stray

dog attacked five people. Four of those were inside

the hospital premises, including a patient.

6

5 Stray dogs hound IMH patients, three bitten in three days; LINK:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/stray-dogs-hound-imh-

patients-three-bitten-in-three-days/articleshow/120561697.cms.

6 Stray dog attacks five on Ernakulam General Hospital premises; LINK:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2025/Aug/14/stray -dog-

attacks-five-on-ernakulam-general-hospital-premises.

17

• The NHRC took suo motu notice of reports of dog-

bite incidents involving patients within the

hospital premise at Acharya Harihar Post

Graduate Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC),

Cuttack, Odisha. Some patients claimed that vital

procedures (chemotherapy, radiation) were

delayed because of such attacks.

7

• At Government Medical College and Hospital ,

Nagpur, a resident doctor was bitten by several

stray dogs in the hospital campus. She required

ICU care. There have been multiple similar

incidents over preceding days.

8

• In King George’s Medical University (KGMU),

Lucknow, two doctors, paramedical staff and an

attendant were bitten by a stray dog on campus,

outside the radiology department.

9

7 NHRC takes cognizance of TNIE report, issues summons to Odisha govt on

stray dog menace in cancer hospital; LINK:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/May/25/nhrc -takes-

cognizance-of-tnie-report-issues-summons-to-odisha-govt-on-stray-dog-menace-

in-cancer-ho-2578550.html.

8 Nagpur’s premier medical facility battles dog menace; woman doctor in ICU

after attack; LINK: https://theprint.in/india/nagpurs-premier-medical-facility-

battles-dog-menace-woman-doctor-in-icu-after-attack/1063457/.

9 In Lucknow, King George's Medical University doctors among 5 injured in

dog attack; LINK: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/in-

lucknow-king-georges-medical-university-doctors-among-5-injured-in-dog-

attack/articleshow/100171596.cms.

18

III. Sports complexes and stadia

20. Large sports venues and open recreational

grounds attract free-roaming/stray dogs because

they offer food (from vendors and visitors) and

hiding/denning space. As cities expand, many older

municipal stadia and public playgrounds have

become semi-permanent habitats for dog packs.

During major events the concentration of people

increases the chance of human-dog interactions and

when a dog feels threatened or is provoked, injuries

can follow.

Incidents:

• Two foreign coaches (from Kenya and Japan) were

bitten by stray dogs inside Jawaharlal Nehru

Stadium, New Delhi, during the World Para

Athletics Championships, 2025. One coach was

bitten near the competition arena and the other at

the warm-up track. Both were treated at the

stadium first, then at Safdarjung Hospital. These

incidents show that even high-security venues can

19

be vulnerable if feeding and perimeter

management are not enforced.

10

IV. Bus stands/depots (including Inter-State Bus

Terminals) and railway stations

21. This Court also takes cognizance of numerous

reported incidents of stray dog attacks at public

transport hubs, including bus stands/depots

(particularly Inter-State Bus Terminals) and railway

stations across several States. These facilities, by

reason of heavy public congregat ion, open

architecture, and unhygienic waste disposal

practices, have become focal points for stray dog

habitation, resulting in repeated assaults/attacks on

commuters, employees, and bystanders.

Incidents:

• At Kannur Railway Station, Kerala, a stray dog

reportedly bit 18 people at the station (on the

platform and near the ticket counter) and the

animal was later confirmed to have rabies. News

article further indicated that residents and

10 Horrific! Stray dogs attack foreign coaches at World Para Athletics

Championships, fifth such incident at JLN stadium; LINK:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/athletics/horrific-

stray-dogs-attack-foreign-coaches-at-world-para-athletics-championships-fifth-

such-incident-at-jln-stadium/articleshow/124300397.cms .

20

commuters estimate the presence of over a

hundred stray dogs in and around the station

premises, resulting in a sustained risk to public

health and passenger safety.

11

• At Dombivli Railway Station, Maharashtra, a

stray dog bit nine commuters, including a Railway

Protection Force (RPF) Officer, on a foot over-

bridge and platform.

12

• At Alappuzha Railway Station , Kerala, more

than 30 people were reported bitten by stray dogs

in the past six months at the station premises.

13

• At Sambhal Railway Station, Uttar Pradesh, a

rabid/mad dog entered the railway station

precinct and bit eight persons at different spots in

about two hours.

14

11 Rabies confirmed in dog that bit 18 people at Kannur railway station; LINK:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2024/Nov/29/rabies -

confirmed-in-dog-that-bit-18-people-at-kannur-railway-station.

12 Stray dog bites commuters at Dombivli railway station; LINK:

https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai -news/article/stray-dog-bites-

commuters-at-dombivli-railway-station-23596600.

13 Over 30 people bitten by dogs at Alappuzha Railway Station in 6 months;

LINK: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/over -30-people-bitten-by-

dogs-at-alappuzha-railway-station-6-months-17c1a66c.

14 Rabid dog bites eight people at city railway station; LINK:

https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/sambhal-city-mad-dog-terrorizes-

railway-station-injures-several-40014446.html.

21

• At Kannur Bus Stand, Kerala, a stray dog

attacked about 50 people, including at the bus-

stand premises.

15

• At KSRTC Bus Stand, Kottayam, Kerala , several

people (including a former municipal chairperson)

were injured in a stray dog attack that started

around the bus stand and footpath routes mid -

afternoon.

16

22. The Court notes that the underlying causes of

this enduring menace are multifaceted, including, (i)

uncontrolled reproduction of stray dogs owing to

inadequate implementation of sterilisation

programmes; (ii) improper disposal of food waste in

and around public institutions; (iii) absence of

effective perimeter management and institutional

coordination with municipal authorities; and (iv) lack

of widespread public awareness regarding preventive

conduct and post dog-bite medical procedures.

23. Despite the statutory framework of the Animal

Birth Control Rules, 2001 as amended in 2023, and

15 Stray dog attacks 50 people in Kannur town; LINK:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/stray-dog-attacks-50-

people-in-kannur-town/articleshow/121916268.cms .

16 Stray dog attacks panic Kottayam bus stand, several injured. LINK:

https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/08/21/stray -dog-attack-

kottayam.html.

22

the existence of various municipal bye -

laws/guidelines/Standard Operating Procedures, the

practical outcomes have remained suboptimal. The

data emerging from several States and Union

Territories reveal a year-on-year increase in reported

dog-bite cases, many occurring within or near public

institutions. The persistence of the problem calls for

a holistic and coordinated approach involving

municipal corporations, public health authorities,

and administration of the institutions, to ensure that

the constitutional mandate of safeguarding the right

to life under Article 21 is not compromised by

administrative inaction or inefficiency.

24. The menace of dog bites, particularly in public

and private institutions that serve as spaces of

learning, healing and recreation, thus constitutes not

merely a public-health challenge but a matter of

human safety concern. The State and its

instrumentalities bear an affirmative obligation to

ensure that no citizen, least of all children, elderly

people and patients, are exposed to preventable

injury or disease within public premises.

23

IV. Directions

25. Having regard to the alarming rise in incidents

of dog bites within institutional areas such as

educational institutions, hospitals, sports

complexes, bus stands/depots (including Inter-State

Bus Terminals) and railway stations, this Court

deems it appropriate to issue the following directions

in the interest of public safety, health, and

management of stray dogs: -

A. The State Governments and Union Territories shall

through their respective local/ municipal

authorities, within a period of two weeks, identify

all Government and private educational

institutions, hospitals (including district hospitals,

primary health centres, and medical colleges),

public sports complexes or stadia , bus

stands/depots (including Inter -State Bus

Terminals) and railway stations situated within

their territorial limits.

B. The administrative heads of the aforesaid

institutions shall through their respective local/

municipal authorities, under the overall

supervision of the District Magistrate concerned,

24

ensure that the premises are secured by adequate

fencing, boundary walls, gates and such other

structural or administrative measures as may be

necessary to prevent the ingress of stray dogs. The

said exercise shall be completed as soon as

possible and preferably within a period of 8 weeks

from today.

C. The management of every educational institution,

hospital, sports complex, bus stand/depot

(including Inter-State Bus Terminal) and railway

station identified under Direction (A) shall

designate a Nodal Officer responsible for the

upkeep and cleanliness of the premises and for

ensuring that stray dogs do not enter or inhabit

the campus. The details of the said officer shall be

displayed prominently at the entrance and notified

to the jurisdictional municipal body/authority.

D. The local municipal authorities and panchayats

shall carry out regular inspections, at least once in

every three months, of all such premises to ensure

that no stray dog habitats exist within or in the

immediate vicinity of these institutions. Any lapse

in this regard shall be viewed seriously, and

25

responsibility shall be fixed upon the concerned

municipal officials/administrative authorities.

E. It shall be the responsibility of the jurisdictional

municipal body/authority to forthwith remove

every stray dog found within the premises of an

educational institution, hospital (public or

private), sports complex, bus stand/depot

(including Inter-State Bus Terminal) or railway

station and to shift such animal/s to a designated

shelter, after due sterilisation and vaccination, in

accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules,

2023. The stray dogs so picked up shall not be

released back to the same location from which they

were picked up. We have consciously directed the

non-release of such stray dogs to the same location

from which they were picked up, as permitting the

same would frustrate the very effect of the

directions issued to liberate such institutional

areas from the presence of stray dogs.

F. All Government and private hospitals shall

maintain a mandatory stock of anti -rabies

vaccines and immunoglobulin at all times.

G. Every school and educational institution shall be

directed by the Ministry of Education, Government

26

of India, to conduct awareness sessions for

students and staff on preventive behaviour around

animals, first-aid in case of bites, and immediate

reporting protocols.

H. The management of stadiums and sports

complexes shall ensure the deployment of security

or ground-keeping personnel specifically tasked

with around the clock vigil against the entry or

habitation of stray dogs.

I. The railway authorities having jurisdiction over

the railway stations as well as the State transport

corporations and municipal authorities having

jurisdiction over bus stands, depots and Inter-

State Bus Terminals, shall ensure that such

public-transport premises/facilities are effectively

secured and maintained so as to prevent the

habitation or movement of stray dogs within their

premises. Proper waste-management systems

shall be implemented to eliminate food sources

that attract animals, and regular inspections shall

be conducted to detect and address the presence

of stray dogs.

J. Animal Welfare Board of India shall, within four

weeks, issue detailed Standard Operating

27

Procedures (SOPs) for prevention of dog bites and

management of stray dogs in institutional

premises (public or private) including but not

limited to Government and private educational

institutions, hospitals (including district hospitals,

primary health centres, and medical colleges), and

sports complexes or stadia, to be uniformly

adopted across all States and Union Territories.

26. The aforesaid directions are being issued in

continuation of and in furtherance of this Court’s

order dated 22

nd August, 2025, to ensure that the

menace of stray dog attacks within institutional areas

is curbed through effective preventive and

administrative mechanisms. The primary objective is

to safeguard the fundamental right to life and safety

of citizens, particularly children, students, patients,

and sportspersons, while ensuring compliance with

the principles embodied in the Animal Birth Control

Rules, 2023 framed under the Prevention of Cruelty

to Animals Act, 1960.

27. The Registry shall forthwith circulate a copy of

this order to the Chief Secretaries of all States and

Union Territories for onward transmission to all the

28

necessary departments, as well as to the Secretaries

of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Ministry

of Education; Ministry of Fisheries, Animal

Husbandry and Dairying; Ministry of Youth Affairs

and Sports; Ministry of Road Transport and

Highways; Ministry of Railways; Ministry of

Panchayati Raj; Ministry of Rural Development; and

Chairman, National Highways Authority of India, for

immediate compliance.

28. The Chief Secretaries of all States and Union

Territories shall file their affidavits of compliance

before this Court within a period of 8 weeks from

today, specifically indicating:

i. the steps taken to secure the premises of the

educational institutions, hospitals, sports

complexes, bus stands/depots (including Inter-

State Bus Terminals) and railway stations;

ii. the mechanism put in place for regular

oversight inspection, coordination and reporting

with municipal authorities/Panchayati Raj

institutions; and

29

iii. the availability of anti-rabies vaccines and

immunoglobulin in all Government medical

facilities.

29. The Union of India shall also ensure that the

aforesaid directions are implemented in respect of all

institutional areas falling under its administrative or

supervisory control, including Central Government

educational institutions, hospitals, colleges,

universities, sports complexes and railway stations

managed by or affiliated with Central Ministries or

authorities such as the Ministry of Health and Family

Welfare; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Fisheries,

Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Ministry of Youth

Affairs and Sports; Ministry of Road Transport and

Highways; Ministry of Railways ; Ministry of

Panchayati Raj; Ministry of Rural Development and

other allied departments. The Union of India, through

the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, shall file a

comprehensive affidavit of compliance within a period

of 8 weeks from today, indicating the steps taken to

secure such institutions, the mechanism evolved for

coordination with local/municipal authorities, and

the measures adopted for ensuring the availability of

30

anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in Central

Government hospitals and healthcare facilities.

30. Animal Welfare Board of India shall also file a

consolidated report indicating the nationwide status

of sterilisation and vaccination drives, as well as the

formulation of uniform Standard Operating

Procedures for the prevention of dog-bite incidents in

institutional areas/premises within 8 weeks from

today.

31. The Registry shall forthwith implead the Urban

Development Department and Rural Development

Department of all States and Union Territories as well

as the Union of India through their Principal/Chief

Secretaries.

32. Any reported non-compliance of any of the

above directions shall be viewed very seriously and

may invite penalties/consequences including but not

limited to the initiation of suo moto contempt

proceedings against the erring officials.

33. The matters shall be listed on 13

th January,

2026 for further directions and for perusal of the

compliance affidavits to be filed by the Animal

31

Welfare Board of India, all the States and Union

Territories and the Union of India.

…………………....…J.

(VIKRAM NATH)

……………………….J.

(SANDEEP MEHTA)

……………………….J.

(N. V. ANJARIA)

NEW DELHI;

NOVEMBER 07, 2025.