The Supreme Court of India (SC) today announced that it will soon issue comprehensive orders regulating the feeding of stray dogs within the premises of government offices, institutions and buildings.
The bench comprising Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N. V. Anjaria observed that this step is imperative given the growing concerns of stray dog-related incidents in official spaces.
With this fresh move on stray dog feeding government buildings, the Court also carved out an exemption: victims of dog bites need not make the monetary deposit required for intervening in the case.
Justice Nath remarked:
“We will issue an order in a few days regarding government institutions, where employees are supporting and encouraging dogs in that area.”
The bench refused to hear intervenors before making directions on this aspect, declaring:
“With regard to government institutions we will not hear.”
Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy, representing a dog-welfare intervenor, flagged shortcomings in the designation of feeding areas by the Delhi local bodies; the bench indicated that issue will be examined at the next hearing.
The Court also noted with displeasure the non-compliance of many States/Union Territories in filing affidavits under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
The Chief Secretaries of several States/UTs were summoned for failing to submit compliance affidavits; while many have now complied, the bench warned that future defaults will invite orders.
Additionally, the Court impleaded the Animal Welfare Board of India as a respondent in the matter.
Intervention applications filed by dog bite victims were accepted, and the bench waived the previously mandated deposit (Rs 25,000 for individuals and Rs 2 lakh for NGOs) for their participation.
Meanwhile, the amicus curiae in the matter, Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal, shall continue in his role.
Background to the matter
On 28 July, the Court took suo motu cognisance of the stray-dog situation following a media report concerning children being bitten.
On 11 August, a two-judge bench directed authorities in the Delhi-NCR region to immediately start relocating stray dogs to shelters, barred their release, and warned of strict action against those obstructing the exercise.
That order spurred widespread debate. On 22 August, a three-judge bench modified the directive: under Rule 11(9) of the ABC Rules, dogs picked up must, after sterilisation, deworming and immunisation, be released back into the same area, except those rabid or aggressive.
Public feeding of stray dogs was prohibited, and dedicated feeding spaces ordered. The matter has since been extended nationwide.
Now the SC initiates the next phase: setting a clear framework for stray dog feeding within government office premises, an aspect that had not been explicitly addressed earlier.
Key Parties & Bench Details:
- Petitioner/Respondents: States & UTs; Animal Welfare Board of India; intervenors (dog-bite victims, NGOs)
- Bench: Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N. V. Anjaria
- Amicus Curiae: Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal
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