The Kerala High Court has directed a High-Level Monitoring Committee to submit monthly reports on compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions concerning stray dog management in the State.
A Division Bench of Justice Dr. A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Preeta A.K. passed the order on September 16, 2026, in W.P.(C) No. 23376 of 2026.
Background
The proceedings concern compliance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5 of 2025.
The High Court noted that the Kerala Government had issued a Circular dated July 31, 2026, communicating the Supreme Court’s directions to Local Self Government Institutions. The State also issued Government Orders dated August 22 and August 31, 2026, dealing with procedures for stray dog management and the constitution of a High-Level Monitoring Committee.
The Court also considered the Registry’s report regarding service of notice on additional respondents. Notices had been sent through email and the Standing Counsel Dashboard to avoid substantial postal expenses. Since the additional respondents were represented through counsel, the Bench ratified those steps as compliance with its earlier order.
The Court recorded that the State’s August 22 Government Order sets out the procedure for capturing stray dogs for Animal Birth Control and for euthanizing dogs that are ferocious, incurably ill or rabid and pose a danger to civil society.
The High-Level Monitoring Committee was directed to collect and tabulate compliance details from the concerned Local Self Government Institutions. The report must indicate whether the required Stray Dog Management Committee has been constituted, the extent of compliance with the July 31 Circular, reasons for partial or non-compliance, and the number of dogs euthanized, if any.
The Court directed that these reports be filed by the 10th day of every month until further orders. The writ petition was directed to be listed at 1:45 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month, with the next posting fixed for October 29, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: In Re: Compliance with the Directions Issued by the Supreme Court in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No(s). 5 of 2025 vs. The State of Kerala, Represented by its Chief Secretary & Others
Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 23376 of 2026
Judge: Dr. A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar, J. & Preeta A.K., J.
Decision Date: September 16, 2026
