The Supreme Court of India on Monday came down heavily on several states and Union Territories for failing to comply with its previous directives on tackling the growing stray dog menace across the country. The court has ordered Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs barring Delhi, West Bengal, and Telangana — to appear in person on November 3, citing their non-compliance as “unacceptable” and damaging to India’s global image.
Court’s Stern Warning: ‘Continuous Incidents Tarnish Country’s Image’
A three-judge bench headed by Justice Nath expressed deep concern over the continuing rise in stray dog attacks despite repeated court orders.
“Continuous incidents are happening, and the image of the country is being shown as down in the eyes of foreign nations,” Justice Nath remarked.
The bench also noted that while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and the governments of West Bengal and Telangana have submitted affidavits detailing their compliance, all other states have failed to respond. Even the Delhi government itself has not filed its affidavit, prompting the court to direct its Chief Secretary to be present on November 3.
‘What About Cruelty Towards Humans?’ – Court’s Sharp Retort
When one counsel mentioned cases of cruelty against dogs, the bench shot back,
“What about cruelty towards humans?”
This pointed response reflected the judiciary’s growing frustration over recurring dog bite incidents and state inaction despite earlier judicial orders on sterilisation, vaccination, and stray animal rehabilitation.
States Under Fire for Ignoring Court Directives
The apex court observed that only three authorities had complied with its August 22 order, which outlined a detailed plan for controlling the stray dog population.
“The menace of stray dogs continues across the country despite repeated directions,” the bench said, calling the inaction of most states “unacceptable and irresponsible.”
The court further emphasised that states must be held accountable for their lack of progress and directed all remaining Chief Secretaries to personally explain the reasons for non-compliance.
Court Monitoring Implementation Measures
The Supreme Court has been actively monitoring measures to curb the stray dog crisis, including sterilisation drives, vaccination programs, and rehabilitation of stray animals. It reiterated that states must act swiftly to protect citizens while ensuring humane treatment of animals.
The court noted that its earlier orders already contained comprehensive guidelines and said the issue now required “urgent and strict accountability from state administrations.”
Background: Rising Dog Bite Cases Nationwide
India has witnessed a sharp surge in stray dog attacks in recent months, with several high-profile incidents reported from cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
Experts have cited a lack of coordinated sterilisation efforts and poor municipal monitoring as key causes behind the growing threat.
What’s Next
Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories (except Delhi, West Bengal, and Telangana) must appear before the Supreme Court at 10:30 a.m. on November 3 to explain the lapses in compliance and present updated reports on their respective animal control measures.
In Summary
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Hearing Date: November 3, 2025
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Court’s Concern: Rising stray dog attacks damaging India’s global image
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Ordered to Appear: Chief Secretaries of all states & UTs (except Delhi, WB, Telangana)
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Focus Areas: Sterilisation, vaccination, stray animal management
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Bench Observation: “Continuous incidents are unacceptable; the country’s image is at stake.”
