Activists Urge Supreme Court for Humane Stray Dog Management Amid Rising Attacks
January 9, 2026
On January 9, 2026, animal rights activists urged the Supreme Court of India to revise its November 2025 order on stray dogs. They asked for humane solutions to control the growing stray dog population in cities. Senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani told the court that women feeding stray dogs face attacks and public humiliation. In some housing areas, bouncers are hired to stop feeders. She said local authorities seem to support these actions.
The Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath advised those attacked to file police complaints. Senior advocate Shadan Farasat said stray dogs are a real worry but the issue should not cause a fight between humans and animals. He blamed municipal authorities for failing to protect both animals and people. His suggestions included zoning public spaces, setting feeding zones, fixing deadlines to implement Animal Birth Control Rules, and improving accountability among municipal officers. Farasat also stressed cooperation between state and local government agencies.
Senior advocate Madhavi Divan proposed an online dashboard to monitor dog sterilisation efforts and ensure transparency. Senior advocate A.M. Singhvi highlighted that the case concerns constitutional principles, not just dogs or people.
The court clarified that it never ordered all street dogs to be removed. It wants stray dogs handled as per Animal Birth Control Rules. The November 7, 2025, order directed relocation of sterilised and vaccinated dogs to shelters after noting a sharp increase in dog bite cases in schools, hospitals, and railway stations.
This hearing reflects a push for balanced, humane solutions to India’s urban stray dog challenge.
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Tags:
Supreme court
Stray dogs
Animal rights
Dog bites
Animal Birth Control Rules
Public safety
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