The Supreme Court on Monday resumed its monitoring of the rising stray dog attacks across several cities, especially those involving children. The atmosphere inside Court No. 3 was serious but not hostile - almost like the judges knew the urgency, yet wanted to proceed systematically. The bench, led by Justice Vikram Nath with Justices Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria, heard submissions from states, Union Territories, senior lawyers, and citizens affected by stray dog attacks.
Background
The case stems from a Suo Motu action triggered by widespread reports describing cities being “hounded” by aggressive stray dogs, with several incidents involving school-going children suffering injuries. The matter has drawn emotional responses: some urging strict control measures, others advocating humane handling, and NGOs stressing vaccination and sterilization rather than culling.
On Monday, all States and Union Territories appeared before the Court. Compliance affidavits - essentially status reports listing their actions - were filed by almost all. But two Union Territories, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Chandigarh had incomplete or missing submissions.
Court’s Observations
The bench showed clear concern about administrative delays. At one point, Justice Nath remarked in a measured tone, “We are not looking for paperwork. We are looking for meaningful compliance.” It was evident that the Court expects real action on the ground, not merely procedural filings.
The Solicitor General and multiple senior advocates appeared, each pointing to different aspects - vaccination shortfalls, absence of proper animal birth control facilities, municipal responsibility, and local governance failures.
The Court also took up the subject of institutional areas - schools, hospitals, university campuses - where dog bite incidents have reportedly increased. “This is a grave area-specific issue,” the bench noted, hinting at possible targeted interim instructions soon.
Decision
The Court did not pass any punitive order today. Instead, it laid down timelines and clarified responsibility:
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu must file their compliance affidavit within two days, before November 7, 2025.
- Chandigarh’s counsel claimed their report is already filed; the Registry has been directed to verify and place it on record.
- The personal appearance of Chief Secretaries, required earlier to ensure seriousness, is no longer mandatory - but the Court made it very clear: if any State defaults, they will be summoned again.
The bench also regularized the position of several applicants, especially victims of dog attacks. Their intervention applications were allowed without requiring deposits, acknowledging the hardship they already face. Meanwhile, those who sought impleadment for advocacy purposes must complete their required fee deposits by November 6, 2025.
Finally, the Court ordered that the Animal Welfare Board of India be added to the case to ensure a unified and humane policy direction.
The matter is now listed for orders on November 7, 2025, where the Court is expected to issue interim directions specifically addressing stray dog presence in sensitive public and institutional spaces.
And with that, the Court rose.
Case: In Re: “City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price” – Supreme Court Suo Motu on Stray Dog Attack
Court: Supreme Court of India (Bench: Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, Justice N.V. Anjaria)
Case Type: Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning increasing stray dog attacks, especially on children.
Hearing Date: 3 November 2025.
Next Hearing / Orders: Court will issue interim directions - especially for schools, hospitals, and institutional zones - on 7 November 2025.