Supreme Court allows euthanasia of aggressive stray dogs amid bite cases

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (May 19) permitted authorities to carry out euthanasia of rabid and dangerously aggressive stray dogs in appropriate cases, while reiterating that public safety could not be compromised amid a rising number of dog bite incidents reported across the country.

Reiterates public safety concerns

Passing a fresh set of directions in the ongoing suo motu proceedings concerning the stray dog menace, the apex court said such measures could be undertaken strictly within the framework of existing animal welfare laws and statutory safeguards. The bench observed that several regions had witnessed a sharp rise in stray dog populations along with repeated attacks in public spaces.

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"In areas where the population of stray dogs has assumed alarming proportions and where incidents of dog bites or aggressive attacks have become frequent and pose a continuing threat to public safety, the concerned authorities may, subject to due assessment by qualified veterinary experts and strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 and other applicable statutory protocols, take such measures as may be legally permissible, including euthanasia, in cases involving rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous/aggressive dogs so as to effectively curb the threat posed to human life and safety," the court ordered as quoted by Live Law.

Declines to dilute earlier directions

A bench of Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria was hearing the matter relating to stray dogs in public areas.

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Referring to reports highlighting attacks on children and elderly persons, the court described the incidents as "deeply disturbing" and refused to dilute its earlier directions ordering the removal of stray dogs from sensitive public locations including hospitals, schools, railway stations, bus stands and sports complexes.

‘Strengthen ABC infrastructure’

The bench also pressed states and Union Territories to strengthen the Animal Birth Control mechanism through a time-bound expansion of infrastructure, including the establishment of fully functional ABC centres across districts with trained personnel, veterinary facilities and logistical support.

Also Read: SC notes surge in stray dog pleas, says human cases see fewer filings

Authorities were further directed to ensure wider availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin at government hospitals.

The court additionally asked the National Highways Authority of India, in coordination with state governments, to evolve a mechanism for dealing with stray animals on highways and expressways.

It also directed High Courts to register suo motu proceedings for monitoring compliance with the Supreme Court's directions and empowered jurisdictional courts to initiate contempt proceedings against officials found responsible for deliberate non-compliance.