Supreme Court’s Concern on Public Safety
Supreme Court Orders Action to Remove Stray Dogs from Public Spaces: The Supreme Court of India has issued significant directions to ensure public safety and reduce the increasing threat of stray dog attacks in key public spaces. The Court observed that the issue is not only a public health challenge but also a matter of human safety under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Life.
Key Directives by the Supreme Court
The Court ordered that every educational institution, hospital, and transport hub must appoint a nodal officer for the surveillance and upkeep of the premises. The District Magistrate of each district will ensure that such places are properly secured with boundary walls, gates, and fencing.
It also directed local municipal authorities and panchayats to conduct inspections every three months to monitor stray dog activities. Furthermore, all government and private hospitals must maintain a mandatory stock of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin at all times.
Static GK fact: The Supreme Court of India was established on 28 January 1950, two days after the Constitution came into effect.
Waste Management and Animal Control
A major cause of stray dog congregation is improper waste disposal. The Supreme Court emphasized the need for efficient waste management systems to eliminate food sources that attract animals. Regular sanitation drives and strict monitoring of garbage zones are crucial to prevent stray dog colonies from forming.
The Stray Dog Issue in India
As per the 2019 Livestock Census, India has an estimated 1.5 crore stray dogs. According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), around 37 lakh dog bite cases were reported in 2024. India also accounts for nearly 36% of global rabies deaths, with dog bites responsible for 96% of rabies-related mortality and morbidity.
Static GK Tip: Rabies is caused by the Lyssavirus and is almost 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
Under Article 243(W), municipalities are responsible for public health and sanitation, which includes the control of stray animals. Meanwhile, Article 51A(g) of the Constitution urges citizens “to have compassion for living creatures,” balancing human safety with animal welfare.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, introduced the Capture–Sterilize–Vaccinate–Release (CSVR) model to ethically manage the stray dog population.
Government Initiatives
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) with the target of eliminating rabies from India by 2030. The plan promotes mass dog vaccination, community awareness, and inter-departmental coordination among health, urban, and animal welfare bodies.
Static GK fact: India’s goal to eliminate rabies by 2030 aligns with the Global Strategic Plan developed by WHO, FAO, WOAH, and GARC.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Supreme Court Orders Action to Remove Stray Dogs from Public Spaces:
| Topic | Detail |
| Supreme Court directive | Removal of stray dogs from key public spaces |
| Constitutional basis | Article 21 ensures Right to Life and safety |
| Population of stray dogs | 1.5 crore (2019 Livestock Census) |
| Dog bite incidents (2024) | Around 37 lakh (NCDC data) |
| Share in global rabies deaths | 36% attributed to India |
| Major legal framework | Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 |
| Implementation model | Capture–Sterilize–Vaccinate–Release (CSVR) |
| Ministry involved | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| National initiative | NAPRE – Rabies elimination target by 2030 |
| Public health measure | Mandatory stock of anti-rabies vaccines in hospitals |
