India records a heavy toll from dog bites and rabies each year, with reports frequently highlighting children, senior citizens and two-wheeler riders as recurring victims. The issue has remained in the spotlight amid rising concerns over uncontrolled stray dog populations.
Taking suo motu cognisance, the Supreme Court delivered a ruling in November last year on how authorities should handle dogs roaming in public spaces. The court said animals caught from public areas should not be released back at the same locations after vaccination or sterilisation, and called for dedicated shelters to house and maintain them.
Recently, the court dismissed petitions seeking withdrawal of these directions, refusing to modify earlier orders aimed at removing strays from public places. It reiterated that states must take firm steps to ensure human safety by setting up proper rehabilitation facilities.
The court also clarified that, in accordance with law, rabid dogs, those with incurable disease, or animals that are visibly dangerous and aggressive may be subjected to euthanasia. Emphasising Article 21, it said the state’s duty to protect human life cannot be overridden by appeals to compassion for animals.
To control breeding, the court directed that necessary infrastructure be created in every district, including round-the-clock animal birth control centres with trained staff and surgical facilities. The article notes, however, that the judgment does not clearly specify timelines and other implementation details, and urges strict adherence to the 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules along with intensified vaccination and sterilisation efforts.
