Supreme Court Nudges States, UTs Over Stray Dogs Menaces, Says, India Shown In Bad Light

The Supreme Court of India came down heavily on the states and the union territories over the stray dog issues. The apex court highlighted that officials need to be made accountable for failing to control the menace while safeguarding animal and human rights. A Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath on Monday summoned the chief secretaries of all states and Union territories to appear in person on November 3, demanding explanations for their failure to submit compliance affidavits despite being given sufficient time.

Expressing sharp displeasure, the court noted that numerous stray dog attacks had been reported even after its earlier directions. The bench criticized the lack of response from the authorities, warning that top bureaucrats could face personal accountability for ignoring the court’s orders related to the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 — a framework aimed at managing stray dog populations while ensuring the welfare of both people and animals.

“Yet no reply (has come) from state governments. Your country is being portrayed in a bad light internationally!” the bench remarked, adding, “Two months granted... yet no response!” noted the court.