New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the growing safety risks posed by stray dogs, particularly on roads and in public spaces, as it began hearing multiple applications related to the issue. A three judge bench observed that it is impossible to predict an animal’s behaviour and stressed that preventive measures must take priority over post incident responses.
The bench noted that stray dogs on highways and busy roads pose dangers beyond the risk of bites. Even if an animal does not attack, it can still trigger accidents by running into traffic. The judges questioned why dogs should be present on streets, school campuses, hospitals and institutional areas, stressing that public safety cannot be compromised.
During the hearing, arguments were raised in support of existing animal birth control measures, including the capture, sterilisation and release of dogs back into their original locations. The court responded critically, remarking that releasing animals back into the same environment does not guarantee safety. It pointed out that aggressive or unpredictable behaviour remains a concern even after sterilisation.
The bench underlined that its focus was not limited to dog bite incidents alone. It said that the presence of stray animals on roads where vehicles move at speed creates constant hazards for pedestrians and motorists alike. The judges reiterated that prevention must come before cure and insisted that roads and public spaces should be kept free of stray dogs.
The Centre, during the hearing, suggested that residents welfare associations should be empowered to decide whether stray dogs should be allowed inside gated communities. The submission highlighted the need to balance compassion for animals with the rights and safety of residents, warning that unrestricted access could inconvenience and endanger others.
The hearing follows earlier directions issued by the court amid a surge in dog bite cases. In November last year, the court ordered the removal of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, transport hubs and sports complexes, directing authorities to send them to designated shelters. It had also instructed municipal bodies to conduct regular inspections to ensure such premises remain free of stray dog habitats.
In previous rulings concerning Delhi and surrounding regions, the Supreme Court described the stray dog situation as grim and warned against obstruction of official efforts to relocate animals. It clarified that dogs showing aggressive behaviour or suspected of rabies should not be released back into public areas.
The matter remains under judicial scrutiny as the court continues to weigh public safety concerns against animal welfare obligations.
