The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concerns over the unpredictability of stray dogs and the growing safety risks posed by animals on public roads and institutions, during an ongoing hearing on the regulation of street dogs and cattle.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria heard arguments from various sides, with the court grappling with how to balance public safety with animal rights.
‘You Can’t Tell What Mood a Dog Is In’
The bench responded sharply to arguments made by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that if animals were treated with empathy, they would not turn aggressive.
“If you invade their space, they will attack,” Sibal said, according to LiveLaw.
Justice Vikram Nath replied, “It is just not about biting, but also the threat caused by dogs. How can you identify? Which dog is in what mood in the morning, you don’t know.”
Sibal proposed a solution involving sterilisation and release: “If there’s an unruly dog, you call a centre. It will be sterilised and released back.”
‘Widespread Cruelty Against Dogs’: NGOs Seek Protection
Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for animal welfare organisations, highlighted the harassment faced by individuals, especially women, who feed stray dogs. He submitted that many have been “ferociously attacked and beaten” and urged the Court for protection.
Gonsalves further alleged, “Dogs are sentient beings. Dogs have been poisoned, beaten, suffocated.” He also made a startling claim, saying, “Raping of dogs by human beings is a common practice.”
He added that despite widespread belief that stray dogs are dangerous, “most Indians feel safer with stray dogs. At night, a guard will sleep, but the dog will be awake.”
Court Earlier Ordered Removal of Stray Dogs from Public Spaces
The hearing stems from the Supreme Court’s earlier directions issued on November 7, 2023, ordering removal of stray dogs from institutional premises — including schools, hospitals, bus stands, sports complexes and railway stations — and relocating them to designated shelters, with sterilisation and vaccination.
However, after widespread criticism from animal rights groups and pet lovers, the Court softened its stance in an August 22, 2025 order. It allowed release of stray dogs after sterilisation and immunisation, reversing the blanket relocation order.
Broader Issue Includes Stray Cattle and Highway Hazards
The matter before the bench also includes concerns over stray cattle, with the judges expressing anxiety over frequent accidents caused by animals loitering on roads and highways.
The case continues to present a complex legal and social dilemma — balancing the constitutional duty to show compassion towards animals under Article 51A(g) with the fundamental right to life and safety under Article 21.
The matter remains pending, with the Court expected to issue further directions after considering stakeholder submissions from both public interest petitioners and animal welfare organisations.
