Supreme Court Orders Removal Of Stray Dogs And Cattle From Public Spaces, Rail Stations And Highways
Supreme Court Upholds Stray Dog SOP, Says Citizens Have Right To Safe Public Spaces
New Delhi, November 7, 2025 — Taking note of the rising incidents of stray dog attacks and growing road hazards caused by unattended cattle, the Supreme Court has directed all states and union territories to remove stray animals from public spaces and rehabilitate them in proper shelters within eight weeks.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria issued the order while monitoring a suo motu case on the management of stray animals and public safety. The court instructed authorities to clear dogs from educational campuses, hospitals, bus stands, sports complexes, and railway stations, and to prevent them from returning to those locations once relocated.
Municipal bodies have been directed to conduct regular inspections and ensure that no stray dog colonies exist on institutional premises. The dogs are to be moved to registered shelters after sterilisation, the bench stated.
Extending its directions beyond stray dogs, the apex court also ordered the removal of stray cattle from highways, expressways, and major roads, citing the risk they pose to commuters. It asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state transport departments to establish dedicated patrol units to capture and relocate these animals to shelters where proper care can be ensured.
“All national highways must have helpline numbers for reporting stray cattle,” the court said, directing chief secretaries of all states to ensure strict compliance. Any negligence in implementation, it warned, would invite serious action.
The court further instructed all states to file compliance affidavits before the next hearing on January 13, detailing the corrective steps taken.
This order follows the court’s earlier observations on the alarming increase in dog-bite incidents and fatalities due to rabies, particularly involving children.
