National, May 19: The Supreme Court has declined to modify its November 2025 directive ordering the removal of stray dogs from public institutions, including hospitals, schools, colleges, bus stations and railway stations.
In its latest directions, the apex court instructed all states and Union Territories to strengthen and effectively implement the framework rules formulated by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) for managing stray animals.
The court directed authorities to establish at least one fully functional Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre in every district. It also observed that districts with larger populations or greater requirements should expand the number and capacity of such centres to ensure effective implementation of animal control measures.
The Supreme Court additionally addressed concerns relating to stray cattle on national highways and issued specific directions to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The authority has been instructed to take time-bound action to tackle the issue and utilise depreciated transport vehicles for handling stray cattle-related operations. It was also directed to put in place a monitoring and coordination mechanism for implementation.
In a move aimed at ensuring oversight and compliance, the apex court directed all High Courts across the country to register suo motu proceedings in the nature of continuing mandamus to monitor implementation of its directions.
The court further ordered Chief Secretaries of all states to submit compliance reports before their respective High Courts by August 7. The Union government has also been directed to file its compliance report within the same timeframe.
According to the directions, consolidated reports prepared by the High Courts will be placed before the Supreme Court on November 17 for review.
The court stated that the matter would remain closed before it except for the limited purpose of examining compliance reports submitted through the monitoring process.
