Court directs fencing of schools, colleges, hospitals; mandates shelters for captured dogs and removal of animals from highways
New Delhi – The Supreme Court of India on Friday issued sweeping directions to all states and union territories to remove stray dogs from schools, colleges, hospitals, and bus stands, ensuring safer public environments. The bench further ordered that captured dogs should not be released back into the same areas after sterilization but must be housed in designated animal shelters.
The court also directed the removal of stray cattle and animals from all national and state highways to prevent accidents and maintain public safety. Chief Secretaries of all states have been instructed to enforce the order strictly and submit a compliance report and affidavit within three weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026.
The bench emphasized the need for fencing around educational and medical institutions to prevent stray entry and mandated the appointment of nodal officers to oversee maintenance. Municipal bodies and panchayats must inspect these premises at least once every three months.
Additionally, helpline numbers will be set up nationwide to report the presence of stray animals on highways. The Supreme Court noted that the Rajasthan High Court’s earlier directive on similar issues would now apply across the country.
The matter originated from a suo motu case taken up by the apex court on July 28, following reports of rising stray dog attacks, particularly among children, and related rabies cases in Delhi and other regions.
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