In recent months, stray dog attacks on children, the elderly, and citizens have sharply increased. Taking suo motu cognizance, the Supreme Court has issued a nationwide directive to address the issue. What began as an order for Delhi will now apply across India.
The Court has instructed authorities to immediately remove stray dogs from public areas and keep them in designated shelters. Barbed wire fencing must be installed around sensitive places such as schools, colleges, hospitals, railway stations, sports complexes, and bus stops to prevent entry. Within two weeks, all states and union territories must submit lists of public and private institutions, hospitals, sports facilities, bus depots, and stations for coordinated action.
The Court also expressed concern over stray cattle”cows, bulls, and buffaloes”wandering on roads and highways. It has directed municipal bodies, transport departments, the NHAI, and other agencies to jointly address this menace. The Court emphasized that only through sincere coordination among these departments can the growing problem of stray animals be effectively curbed.
