The Bombay High Court on Friday, August 14, 2026, urged the Maharashtra government to aggressively implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme to check the continuing rise in the stray dog population.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad said controlling population growth through sterilisation should be a primary focus of the State's response to the stray dog issue.
Background of the Case
The Court was hearing a suo motu writ petition concerning compliance with the Supreme Court's directions on stray dog management. The State government placed its compliance measures before the Bench through Additional Government Pleader Onkar Chandurkar.
The proceedings are aimed at monitoring the implementation of measures concerning stray dogs, including sterilisation and rabies control.
Court's Observation
Acting Chief Justice Ghuge stressed that sterilising adult dogs could prevent further population growth and make the remaining issues easier to manage.
“Your administration must realise one thing, that if you implement that ABC program aggressively, there will be no growth of dogs (stray),” the Acting Chief Justice observed.
The Bench further remarked that instead of dealing only with the increasing number of stray dogs, authorities should focus on adult dogs and ensure their sterilisation.
“If there is no birth of puppies later, then you are nipping the disease in the bud. If you stop the growth, the rest falls in line,” the Bench said.
The Court also referred to the experience at the Aurangabad Bench campus, where sterilisation had substantially reduced the number of stray dogs on the premises.
Decision
The Bench directed the State to place further compliance material before the Court and continue implementing the ABC Programme effectively.
The matter was adjourned for further consideration on September 11, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: In Re Compliance With The Supreme Court Order vs State of Maharashtra
Case Number: Suo Motu Writ Petition No. 2 of 2026
Judge: Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad
Decision Date: August 14, 2026
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