Supreme Court Summons Chief Secretaries Over Stray Dog Menace; Seeks Response By November 3

On Monday, the Supreme Court issued a strict order directing all state Chief Secretaries to appear in person on 3 November in connection with the ongoing issue of stray dog attacks across India.

The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta expressed displeasure over the states’ failure to file compliance reports despite earlier directions from the court.

The Supreme Court also issued notices to all Union Territories, directing them to submit detailed responses.

Despite repeated orders, only Telangana, West Bengal, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) filed their affidavits, but the registry has not yet placed them on record.

The court warned other states to comply immediately, stating it would not tolerate further delays

Sharp Reprimand to Centre and States

During the hearing, the Bench criticised the Central Government for its lack of coordination in addressing the problem. Justice Vikram Nath remarked that ‘such incidents continue to occur, damaging India’s image abroad’.

He observed that despite the court’s previous orders, little had changed on the ground.

The judges questioned government counsels, saying, “Do you not see the news? You must at least see social media. This has become a mockery while people are suffering.”

The court highlighted that its earlier interim order had clearly stated that only sterilised dogs could be released and that violent or aggressive dogs must not be let loose.

NGO’s Intervention and Court’s Observations

During proceedings, an NGO informed the Bench that it wished to be made a party to the case and had deposited the requisite fee with the registry.

The court acknowledged this but reiterated that no NGO or dog lover should interfere with the enforcement of its orders.

It warned that any obstruction to its directives could attract a penalty.

The judges clarified that the interim order aims to balance animal welfare and public safety, directing civic authorities such as the MCD to release only sterilised dogs in designated areas.

Data on Dog Bite Cases Raise Alarm

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, revealed alarming data showing that 37.15 lakh dog bite cases occurred in 2024—an average of 10,000 incidents per day.

He clarified that “no one hates animals, but not every family can keep them at home. Children play outside and become victims. Videos show the severity of the problem.”

He further noted that a ‘loud minority’ was advocating for stray dogs, while the silent majority, including many injured children, continued to suffer.

The court will hear the matter again on 3 November and has directed all Chief Secretaries to be present.

The Bench instructed them to strictly enforce sterilisation and adoption guidelines.

Justice Vikram Nath concluded by observing that while Parliament enacts laws, they remain ineffective without proper implementation.

“On one side, humans suffer; on the other, animal lovers stand opposed. The balance must be restored,” he remarked.

The court is likely to outline a concrete nationwide framework in the next hearing to control the stray dog menace through sterilisation, regulation, and public awareness measures.