The proceedings in In Re: “City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price” originated from the Supreme Court’s suo moto intervention following widespread media reports and increasing public concern over fatal and severe stray dog attacks, particularly incidents involving children in urban areas. The matter expanded into a nationwide issue when multiple Special Leave Petitions, Writ Petitions, Transfer Cases, and Contempt Proceedings from different jurisdictions were tagged together to facilitate a unified judicial response to the escalating stray dog menace. The Court took judicial notice of the increasing incidents of dog bites, stray animal intrusions in public spaces, and the consequent threat posed to public safety, especially in schools, hospitals, transport hubs, and other institutional premises. The Court observed that the unchecked presence of aggressive stray animals directly impacts the right to life and safety protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Issue of Law

The Supreme Court examined the growing public health crisis arising from increasing stray dog attacks, particularly incidents involving children and vulnerable groups, while balancing concerns of public safety with animal welfare protections. The Court considered the effective implementation and monitoring of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules and the Standard Operating Procedures framed by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). It further examined the responsibilities of municipal corporations and local authorities in safeguarding public and institutional spaces from stray canine hazards and considered the need for a uniform national monitoring framework to ensure accountability in sterilization, vaccination, and emergency rabies prevention measures.

Detailed Background and Facts

The proceedings were initiated suo moto by the Supreme Court after widespread media reports and growing public concern regarding fatal and serious stray dog attacks involving children in urban areas. Considering the national importance of the issue, several connected Special Leave Petitions, Writ Petitions, and Contempt Petitions from different jurisdictions were tagged together to facilitate the issuance of a unified nationwide directive.

The Court noted serious systemic deficiencies in the implementation of animal population control mechanisms, inadequate vaccination coverage, and the increasing presence of aggressive stray dog groups in sensitive public spaces including schools, hospital premises, parks, and other institutional zones. The Court observed that such lapses posed significant risks to public safety and public health.

Earlier, by an interim order dated 07 November 2025, the Supreme Court had already issued emergency directions aimed at protecting vulnerable locations. These directions included securing sensitive premises from stray dog hazards, appointment of dedicated Nodal Officers, and establishment of local inspection and monitoring systems.

Judgment

In its detailed order, the Supreme Court established a comprehensive and mandatory monitoring framework intended to ensure direct accountability of local authorities and state administrations. The Court directed local administrations to actively identify, clear, and secure vulnerable institutional and public areas from stray dog hazards in continuation of the directions issued in November 2025.

The Court further institutionalized a mandatory 22-point compliance reporting framework, requiring municipalities and local bodies to submit detailed operational information regarding the exact number of Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres, availability of personnel, deployment of animal-catching vehicles, district-wise data relating to sterilization and vaccination drives conducted over the preceding six months, and information concerning the removal, rehabilitation, or relocation of aggressive stray animals in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures.

The Court also stressed the importance of medical preparedness and directed municipalities and public health authorities to ensure uninterrupted availability of anti-rabies vaccines and anti-rabies immunoglobulin at all public health centres. Additionally, States were required to disclose budgetary allocations made for implementation of the ABC Rules and establish structured inter-departmental coordination mechanisms for effective enforcement.

Subsequent Development

The Supreme Court mandated all State Governments and municipal authorities to periodically submit compliance affidavits strictly following the prescribed 22-point reporting format. The Court also warned that continued inaction, lax implementation, or falsification of safety-related data concerning institutional and public spaces could invite strict judicial scrutiny in the pending contempt proceedings.

Link to Access the Whole Judgment

https://api.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2025/41706/41706_2025_2_1501_71480_Judgement_19-May-2026.pdf

COURT

The Supreme Court Of India

CASE TITLE

In Re: "City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price" (Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5 of 2025 with connected matters)

CASE NUMBER

Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No(s). 5 of 2025

BENCH

Hon'ble The Chief Justice, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi, And Hon'ble Mr. Justice Vipul M. Pancholi

DATE OF ORDER/JUDGMENT

May 19, 2026