SC orders municipalities to remove stray dogs from public places
India's Supreme Court just told authorities to clear stray dogs from spots like schools, hospitals, bus stands, and train stations—basically anywhere people gather.
This urgent move comes after a spike in dog bite cases and complaints that animal control rules aren't being followed.
The court wants these dogs taken to shelters after sterilization and vaccination—not put back where they were.
What happens next?
Institutions have to fence their grounds and assign someone (a nodal officer) to keep things dog-free.
Municipalities will check every few months to make sure strays stay out—if not, legal trouble could follow.
States and Union Territories need to report back within eight weeks on what they've done about this, including how ready they are with anti-rabies vaccines.
The Animal Welfare Board has four weeks to set clear procedures for everyone.
Next court check-in: January 13, 2025.