SC verdict on stray dogs paves way for safer streets in India

India records over 37 lakh dog bite cases annually

K K Jha
Indore: The Supreme Court’s suo motu cognizance of the escalating stray dog crisis, prompted by a report highlighting a surge in dog bites and rabies cases, is set to transform urban safety across India, with a significant impact in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan described the rise in dog bite incidents as “deeply concerning,” noting that children and the elderly are disproportionately affected. The Supreme Court has directed that a report on the rising incidents of dog bites and rabies, along with its order, be sent to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for further action. The Supreme Court’s initial directive orders the relocation of over 5,000 stray dogs in the NCR region to shelter homes, establishing a model for structured management of stray dogs. This ruling, if equally valid for other Indian cities, will empower municipal corporations across the country to remove stray dogs from city roads and establish dedicated shelters for their rehabilitation.
India faces a staggering stray dog crisis, with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reporting over 30 lakh dog bite cases annually. In 2024, rabies claimed approximately 300 lives nationwide, largely due to unvaccinated stray dogs.
The Supreme Court’s verdict marks a pivotal moment in balancing animal welfare with public safety. By enabling civic bodies to relocate stray dogs to shelter homes and implement robust control measures, the ruling offers hope for safer urban environments in cities like Indore while addressing the growing rabies threat across India.

Indore Mayor hails verdict.

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that he had consistently pointed out that previous Supreme Court orders had tied the hands of municipal corporations. Now, a ray of hope has emerged, as the apex court has taken suo motu cognizance of the stray dog issue and addressed it with seriousness.” He noted that the court, in its first phase, has ordered the relocation of over 5,000 stray dogs in the NCR region to shelter homes. The Mayor expressed confidence that these guidelines will not be limited to NCR but will also apply to other municipal corporations across the country, helping control dog bite incidents.
“If these directives are restricted to NCR, the Indore Municipal Corporation will file an intervention application in the Supreme Court to present Indore’s situation. We will request guidelines for major cities like Indore as well. The municipal corporation is fully prepared to build shelter homes and relocate stray dogs.”The Mayor expressed delight that new directions are emerging in the context of previous orders, paving the way for an easier resolution to the stray dog problem.

MP reports 3.39 lakh dog bite cases in 3 years.

In Madhya Pradesh, over 3.39 lakh dog bite cases have been reported between 2022 and January 2025. State’s largest city, Indore, is experiencing a high number of dog bite cases, with over 24,000 reported in the first six months of 2025. Projections suggest the total number of cases for the year could exceed 50,000.
In Indore, an estimated 50,000 stray dogs have overwhelmed the city’s sterilization and vaccination efforts. Children and the elderly, who account for nearly 60% of dog bite victims, are particularly vulnerable. The Supreme Court’s directive is expected to strengthen Indore’s efforts by providing legal clarity and resources to manage stray dogs, significantly reducing dog bite and rabies cases by implementing sterilization, vaccination, and relocation programs. By moving strays to shelter homes, civic bodies can curb unchecked breeding and human-animal conflicts, directly addressing the root causes of dog bites and rabies transmission.