In a sharp rebuke to states over the unchecked rise of stray dogs, the Supreme Court on Monday summoned the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories-except West Bengal and Telangana-for failing to file compliance affidavits regarding the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The bench, led by Justice Vikram Nath and comprising Justices Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria, expressed strong displeasure, noting that the issue was “widely reported” yet largely ignored by state administrations.
Background
The matter stems from a suo motu case titled “In Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay the Price.” The case originated after a media report highlighted the increasing menace of dog bites in several cities.
Earlier, on August 11, a bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala had directed Delhi authorities to pick up stray dogs and move them to shelters, temporarily barring their release. These directions were later extended to Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. However, after concerns were raised about the harshness of the order, the issue was referred to a larger bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, which stayed those directions on August 22.
That three-judge bench had then clarified that under Rule 11(9) of the ABC Rules, sterilized and vaccinated stray dogs must be released back into the same locality unless they show signs of rabies or aggressive behavior. The Court had also prohibited public feeding of stray dogs except in designated areas and warned individuals or NGOs against obstructing municipal staff performing their duties.
Court’s Observations
During Monday’s hearing, the bench was visibly displeased with the casual approach of most States and Union Territories. Only West Bengal, Telangana, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi had submitted their compliance reports. The rest, the Court noted, remained “completely silent.”
“The bench observed, ‘Notices were issued to all States and UTs. The order was reported across newspapers and social media. Are your officers not aware of what’s going on? Once aware, they must act. This kind of negligence cannot continue,’” Justice Vikram Nath remarked.
The judges also questioned why the Government of NCT of Delhi had not yet filed its affidavit. Turning to Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, Justice Nath said sharply, “Why hasn’t NCT filed the affidavit? The Chief Secretary must come up with an explanation. Otherwise, costs may be imposed and coercive steps taken.”
At one point, Justice Nath even quipped, “All Chief Secretaries to remain present on November 3, else we will hold the Court in the auditorium.” The remark triggered mild laughter in the courtroom, though the underlying message was crystal clear - the Court will tolerate no more excuses.
Decision
Concluding the session, the Supreme Court directed the Chief Secretaries of all defaulting States and Union Territories to appear in person next Monday, November 3, to explain their failure to file the affidavits. The bench made it clear that non-compliance could invite “coercive steps.”
Read also:- Delhi High Court Upholds Confiscation of ₹12.31 Lakh in FERA Case, Dismisses Arjun Patil's Appeal
The Court also reiterated that implementation of the ABC Rules is not optional but a statutory duty. With that, the hearing ended - but the message was loud and unmistakable: States can no longer turn a blind eye to the growing stray dog crisis.
Case: In Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay the Price- SMW (C) No. 5/2025
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria
Date of Hearing: October 27, 2025
