Supreme Court reserves verdict in stray dogs case after hearing all sides

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict in the long-running case related to stray dogs across the country. The decision came on Thursday, one day after the court completed detailed hearings and listened to arguments from all states and other parties involved. The case deals with the growing problem of stray dogs, rising dog bite incidents, and the steps taken by governments to control the situation.

The court heard views from a wide range of people and groups. These included dog lovers, animal rights activists, people who were injured in dog bite incidents, and lawyers representing the central government and state governments. After hearing everyone, the court asked all parties to submit their written arguments within one week. The judges said they would study these submissions carefully before delivering their final order.

This case has attracted national attention because it affects public safety, animal welfare, and the responsibility of governments to manage stray animals in cities and villages.

Court hears all sides

During the hearings, the Supreme Court made it clear that it wanted to understand the issue from every possible angle. Lawyers representing victims of dog bites spoke about the fear and pain faced by people, especially children and the elderly. They said that stray dogs roaming freely on streets, near schools, and in residential areas have become a serious safety concern.

Animal lovers and animal rights activists presented a different view. They argued that stray dogs should not be treated cruelly and that the solution lies in proper implementation of animal birth control programmes, vaccination, and humane care. They stressed that dogs are not the problem, but poor planning and lack of action by authorities are.

The lawyers for the Centre and the states explained the steps taken by governments, such as sterilisation drives, vaccination programmes, and setting up dog shelters. However, the court closely examined these claims and questioned whether the measures were truly effective on the ground.

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The bench, which included Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria, asked tough questions and showed concern over the slow pace of work in many states. The judges said that public safety cannot be ignored and that people have a right to feel safe in public spaces.

After hearing everyone in detail, the court decided to reserve its verdict. It also directed all parties to submit their written submissions within a week so that nothing important is left out before the final decision.

Court unhappy with states’ actions

On the previous day of the hearing, the Supreme Court strongly criticised several states for failing to follow its earlier directions. The court said many states had not taken proper steps to sterilise stray dogs, set up dog pounds, or keep dogs away from sensitive places such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and other institutions.

The judges expressed clear dissatisfaction with the replies filed by the states. They remarked that instead of showing real progress, many states were only making promises on paper. The court said such responses looked like “storytelling” rather than serious reports of work done.

In a sharp observation, the bench said that authorities were “building castles in the air,” meaning they were talking about plans without actually implementing them. The court made it clear that words alone are not enough when people are being bitten and injured every day.

One of the most shocking moments during the hearing was when the court discussed data from Assam. According to the figures placed before the court, Assam reported around 1.66 lakh dog bite cases in 2024. The court noted that despite such a high number, the state had only one dog care centre. The judges called this situation deeply worrying.

The court also pointed out that in January 2025 alone, more than 20,000 people were bitten by dogs in Assam. The judges described this number as alarming and said it showed a serious failure in handling the problem.

The Supreme Court reminded states that controlling the stray dog population is not optional but a legal duty. It stressed that sterilisation, vaccination, and proper shelter facilities must be carried out in a planned and consistent manner. The court also said that safety of citizens, especially children, must be given top priority.

At the same time, the judges clarified that the issue is not about harming animals. They said the law already provides clear guidelines for humane treatment of dogs and that these rules must be followed strictly. However, humane treatment does not mean ignoring the risks faced by the public.

The court’s final verdict is expected to provide clear directions to both the Centre and the states. It may also address how to balance animal welfare with public safety in a fair and practical way.

As the country waits for the Supreme Court’s decision, the case highlights a growing challenge faced by many cities and towns. Rising stray dog numbers, frequent dog bite incidents, and lack of proper infrastructure have made this an urgent issue. The court’s ruling is likely to play a key role in shaping how India handles the stray dog problem in the future.