Animal shelters across India are preparing for an unprecedented influx following the Supreme Court’s landmark nationwide order mandating the removal of all stray animals from public spaces. This sweeping judicial directive, issued under suo motu proceedings, specifically targets stray animals on highways, around educational institutions, hospitals, and other public areas where they pose safety concerns.
The removal of all stray animals represents one of the most comprehensive animal management initiatives in recent years, balancing public safety with animal welfare considerations. Under the court’s directive, municipal authorities, Public Works Department, and the National Highway Authority of India must now coordinate relocation efforts to designated shelters while ensuring compliance with established animal care protocols. Furthermore, the ruling establishes clear accountability measures, with chief secretaries and field-level officers held personally responsible for implementation lapses.
This judicial intervention comes as India continues to grapple with incidents involving stray animals on highways and in institutional premises, creating a standardized nationwide approach to address both safety hazards and animal welfare concerns.
Supreme Court directs removal of stray animals from highways and institutions
In a decisive judicial intervention, the Supreme Court has ordered the immediate removal of stray animals from highways, educational institutions, and other public spaces across India. The landmark directive represents a significant shift in how municipalities and highway authorities must manage stray animal populations nationwide.
Bench issues nationwide order under suo motu proceedings
The three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria issued the comprehensive order as part of ongoing suo motu proceedings. The Court initiated these proceedings on July 28, 2025, after taking cognizance of media reports highlighting the growing stray dog menace, including incidents of children being bitten and an alarming rise in rabies cases and fatalities. The bench partly affirmed a previous Rajasthan High Court order while expanding its scope to create a unified national approach.
“Having regard to the alarming rise in incidents of dog bites within institutional areas such as educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands and railway stations, this Court deems it appropriate to issue directions in the interest of public safety, health, and management of stray dogs,” the bench stated. The justices emphasized that permitting stray animals to remain in these areas would “frustrate the very purpose” of creating safer public spaces.
Scope includes highways, schools, hospitals, and public spaces
The Court’s directive encompasses an extensive range of locations:
- Educational institutions: All government and private schools, colleges, and medical colleges
- Healthcare facilities: Hospitals, district hospitals, primary health centers
- Transportation hubs: Bus stands, depots, railway stations, including Inter-State Bus Terminals
- Recreational areas: Public sports complexes and stadiums
- Highways: National highways, state highways, and national expressways
According to the order, all states and Union Territories must identify affected premises within two weeks. The administrative heads of these institutions, under the supervision of District Magistrates, must ensure the premises are secured with adequate fencing, boundary walls, and gates to prevent the ingress of stray animals.
The directive explicitly states that stray dogs captured from these locations must not be returned to the same areas after sterilization and vaccination. Instead, they must be relocated to designated animal shelters in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. Similarly, cattle and other stray animals removed from highways must be kept in appropriate shelters or gaushalas and provided with necessary food, water, and veterinary care.
“Municipal authorities, road and transport department, public works department of all states/UTs and national highway authorities shall ensure removal of all stray dogs and other stray animals from the state highways, national highways and national expressways falling in their jurisdiction,” the Court directed.
The bench has instructed local municipal bodies and panchayats to inspect these premises at least once every three months to verify compliance. Additionally, each institution must appoint a dedicated nodal officer responsible for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the premises remain free of stray dogs.
The Court’s order places significant emphasis on the immediate relocation of stray animals to appropriate shelters rather than merely removing them from public spaces, highlighting both safety concerns and animal welfare considerations.
Authorities begin coordinated relocation to designated shelters
Implementation of the Supreme Court’s directive has commenced nationwide as designated authorities mobilize to relocate stray animals to shelters. The massive operation involves unprecedented coordination between multiple agencies to ensure both public safety and animal welfare.
Municipal bodies, PWD, and NHAI to lead implementation
A joint coordinated drive spearheaded by municipal authorities, road and transport departments, public works departments (PWD) across all states/UTs, and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has begun identifying highways and expressways where stray animals are frequently found. These authorities are now taking immediate steps to remove and relocate these animals to designated shelters 4. The comprehensive approach requires these agencies to work in tandem, sharing resources and expertise to implement the Court’s directive effectively.
Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, along with the Chairperson of NHAI, have been instructed to oversee enforcement through appropriate administrative orders and field-level monitoring 7. This top-down accountability structure ensures implementation at every level of administration. Consequently, these senior officials must file status compliance affidavits within eight weeks, detailing mechanisms established for animal removal and sheltering 4.
NHAI has already initiated a pilot project to address the challenge of stray cattle on national highways. With shelter areas ranging from 0.21 to 2.29 hectares, these facilities are strategically positioned to serve as safe spaces for stray cattle, reducing their presence on highways 8. The project includes implementation on various National Highway stretches, notably the UP/Haryana Border to Rohna section of NH-334B and the Dangiyawas to Jajiwal section of the Jodhpur Ring Road on NH-112 8.
Animals to be relocated in compliance with ABC Rules, 2023
The relocation process deviates significantly from standard Animal Birth Control (ABC) procedures. Previously, the ABC Rules recommended a catch-neuter-vaccinate-release model, whereby dogs would be returned to their original localities after sterilization. However, the Court has explicitly prohibited this practice for animals removed from institutional areas and highways 9.
“We have consciously directed the non-release of such stray dogs to the same location from which they were picked up, as permitting the same would frustrate the very effect of the directions issued to liberate such institutional areas from the presence of stray dogs,” the Court stated 9. This marks a substantial shift in stray animal management policy.
Nevertheless, the Court maintains that all animals must receive proper care in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the ABC Rules, 2023. This includes mandatory sterilization and vaccination before relocation to designated shelters.
Veterinary care and shelter conditions mandated
The Supreme Court has established stringent standards for animal welfare during this transition. All cattle and stray animals relocated must be housed in appropriate shelters, gaushalas, or cattle pounds where they must receive:
- All necessary veterinary care including first aid and treatment
- Adequate nutritious food provided twice daily
- Clean drinking water available at all times
- Proper shelter from weather conditions
NHAI’s pilot project for cattle shelters demonstrates this commitment to animal welfare. Under an MoU with concessionaire M/s Gawar Construction Ltd., the project includes not only shelter construction but also maintenance through providing first aid, adequate fodder, water, and caretakers throughout the concession period. Moreover, the concessionaire will deploy cattle ambulances to transport and treat injured animals and establish first-aid centers to provide timely medical care.
For dogs, the ABC Rules specify mandatory shelter infrastructure requirements, including properly marked kennels with adequate space—at least 3 feet wide, 4 feet deep, and 6 feet high per kennel. Facilities must also feature sufficient cross-ventilation, raised resting areas, and proper drainage systems. During the post-surgery period, animals must remain in kennels for at least four days before relocation.
The implementation faces substantial challenges, primarily infrastructure limitations and resource constraints. Creating large-scale shelters requires significant funding and time, presently lacking in many municipalities. However, the Court’s directive establishes clear accountability measures to ensure these challenges are addressed through proper resource allocation and monitoring.
Court mandates patrol teams and helpline systems for monitoring
To ensure strict implementation of the relocation directive, the Supreme Court has established comprehensive monitoring mechanisms across the country. The Court’s order outlines detailed patrol and helpline systems designed to track stray animals and expedite their removal from highways and public spaces.
24/7 highway patrols to be deployed
Each authority must constitute dedicated highway patrol teams and assign existing road safety units for continuous surveillance of roadways. These specialized units will focus primarily on immediate response to reports of stray cattle or other animals obstructing traffic flow. The Court mandated that “such patrol shall function on a 24/7 basis and coordinate with the local police stations, veterinary officers, and the municipal authorities or the Panchayati Raj institutions”.
The patrol teams will conduct regular sweeps of identified high-risk zones where stray animals frequently appear. Municipal authorities, alongside the Public Works Department and NHAI, must identify stretches of highways and expressways where stray cattle are commonly found. Upon detection, the patrol units will initiate immediate relocation procedures to transfer animals to designated animal shelters.
Enforcement responsibility falls directly upon chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, alongside the NHAI chairperson, who must ensure implementation through appropriate administrative orders and field-level monitoring.
Helpline numbers to be displayed at regular intervals
As part of the monitoring infrastructure, “all national highways, state highways, and national expressways shall have prominently displayed helpline numbers at regular intervals”. These displays must be visible enough to enable commuters to promptly report the presence of stray animals or accidents caused by them.
The Court’s order emphasizes strategic placement of these helpline notices throughout the highway system, ensuring coverage across remote and urban areas alike. Through this citizen-reporting mechanism, authorities aim to create a collaborative monitoring network that extends beyond official patrol teams.
Real-time coordination with police and district control rooms
The Supreme Court has mandated that “these helplines shall be linked to the control rooms of the local police, NHAI and the district administration for real-time redressal and monitoring”. This integration creates a centralized response system capable of immediate action upon receiving reports.
The interconnected control rooms will dispatch the nearest patrol team when alerts are received, creating an efficient response mechanism. Subsequently, the control rooms will track each case through resolution, maintaining records of animal removal and relocation to appropriate shelters.
Through this multi-layered monitoring approach—combining dedicated patrols, public reporting systems, and integrated control rooms—the Court has established a framework designed to ensure comprehensive implementation of the stray animal relocation directive throughout India.
Field-level officers and nodal staff held accountable for lapses
The Supreme Court has established a robust accountability framework to ensure strict implementation of its stray animal relocation directive. This multi-tiered approach assigns clear responsibilities to officials at various levels, creating direct lines of accountability for any implementation failures.
Chief Secretaries and NHAI Chairperson to oversee enforcement
The Court has placed ultimate responsibility on the highest administrative officials across the country. “The Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, together with the Chairperson, National Highways Authority of India, shall ensure strict enforcement of these directions through appropriate administrative orders and field-level monitoring”. These senior officials must oversee implementation through administrative orders that clearly delegate responsibilities to subordinate officers.
As part of their oversight duties, Chief Secretaries must ensure all animal shelters maintain proper standards as specified under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. Essentially, they serve as the apex accountability point for the entire stray animal management operation within their jurisdictions.
Institutions must appoint nodal officers for surveillance
Each institutional facility covered under the order must designate a dedicated official responsible for preventing stray animal intrusion. “The management of such institutions shall designate a nodal officer responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of the premises and for ensuring that stray dogs do not enter or inhabit the campus”.
Furthermore, “The details of the said officer shall be displayed permanently at the entrance and notified to the jurisdictional municipal body or authority”, creating transparent accountability. Local municipal authorities and panchayats must conduct regular inspections of these premises at least once every three months to verify compliance.
Non-compliance to attract personal liability
The Court has incorporated stringent personal accountability measures for officials who fail to implement its directives. “They shall hold the concerned officers personally accountable for lapses or recurring incidents in their respective jurisdictions”.
In fact, the bench explicitly cautioned that “any lapse in this regard shall be viewed seriously, and responsibility shall be fixed upon the concerned officials/administrative authorities”. This unusual step of attributing personal liability underscores the Court’s determination to ensure full implementation.
Field-level officers particularly face heightened scrutiny, with the Court warning they will be “held personally liable for any lapse”. Officers responsible for animal shelters must ensure proper care, including sterilization and vaccination procedures, as mandated by the Court.
States and UTs ordered to file compliance affidavits within 8 weeks
The Supreme Court has mandated all states and Union Territories to submit detailed compliance affidavits within eight weeks, emphasizing thoroughness in implementation reporting. This directive follows earlier observations where only West Bengal, Telangana, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi had submitted their affidavits by the October 27 deadline.
Affidavits must detail shelter mechanisms and patrol operations
Each compliance document must comprehensively outline the mechanisms established for stray animal removal and sheltering processes. States must thoroughly describe how patrol teams have been constituted and their operational procedures. These reports will provide crucial information on the administrative structures implemented to enforce the Court’s directive, including coordination between municipal authorities, road departments, and NHAI.
Status of helpline installations and signage to be included
Affidavits must verify the operational status of all helpline facilities established for reporting stray animals on highways. Additionally, authorities must document the installation of signboards displaying these helpline numbers at regular intervals along highways and expressways 4. This communication infrastructure forms a critical component of the Court’s monitoring framework.
Court to review progress in next hearing
Amicus Curiae Gaurav Agarwal has been directed to compile all submitted data into a comprehensive report. The bench will review this compilation during the next hearing scheduled for January 13. Ultimately, the Court warned that any laxity would be viewed seriously, with Chief Secretaries held personally responsible for non-compliance. This review mechanism ensures ongoing accountability throughout the implementation phase of this nationwide animal shelter initiative.
Conclusion
This landmark Supreme Court ruling represents a watershed moment for both public safety and animal welfare across India. Throughout implementation, authorities face significant challenges regarding shelter capacity, resource allocation, and coordination between multiple agencies. Nevertheless, the comprehensive framework established by the Court addresses these concerns through clear accountability measures.
Undoubtedly, the success of this nationwide initiative depends on vigilant monitoring and enforcement. The personal liability placed upon officials serves as a powerful incentive for thorough implementation, while the mandatory reporting through compliance affidavits ensures transparent progress tracking. Additionally, the establishment of dedicated patrol teams and helpline systems creates a responsive infrastructure capable of adapting to changing circumstances.
Beyond immediate safety benefits, this directive fundamentally reshapes India’s approach to stray animal management. Rather than continuing the catch-neuter-release approach, the Court has prioritized permanent relocation to shelters where animals receive proper care, food, and veterinary attention. This shift acknowledges both the public hazard posed by stray animals in certain spaces and their right to humane treatment.
Above all, the Supreme Court’s order balances multiple competing concerns: the safety of pedestrians and motorists, the welfare of stray animals, and the resource constraints facing implementing agencies. The coming months will reveal whether this ambitious nationwide initiative can effectively address a long-standing challenge that has previously eluded systematic solutions. Though implementation challenges remain substantial, the structured approach mandated by the Court provides a promising framework for transforming how India manages its stray animal populations while ensuring their welfare remains a priority.
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