The Supreme Court on Tuesday held on to its November 2025 directive ordering the removal of stray dogs from public institutions and high-footfall public spaces, refusing to dilute or modify the ruling despite multiple pleas. The court ruled that, if need be, the state should not hesitate from euthanising stray dogs that are deemed rabid and incurable.

A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria observed that the judiciary could not ignore the realities faced by vulnerable sections in public spaces. The court’s remarks, including its reference to a “survival of the fittest” situation, underscored its concern over the state’s responsibility to protect citizens.

Following are the top quotes made by the court while delivering the order:

Take such measures as may be legally permissible, including euthanasia, in cases involving rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous/aggressive dogs to effectively curb the threat cause to human life and safety.

Statistics show stray dog bite incidents are rising across the country. In Rajasthan, 1,483 cases were reported in Sri Ganganagar in three months, while Udaipur recorded over 1,700 cases in 2026. In Tamil Nadu, 240,000 cases were reported this year, including 71,000 in March and 34 deaths. The threat has reached sensitive locations like Indira Gandhi International Airport, where stray dogs have been found at terminals and even runways, exposing a grave failure in public safety measures.

State cannot remain a passive spectator. Court cannot remain oblivious to harsh ground realities where children, international travellers, old age people have fallen victim to dog bite incidents. Constitution doesn’t envisage a society where children, elderly people are to survive on the mercy physical strength.

Source: India Today