NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a significant order aimed at enhancing public safety across the country, directing the immediate removal of stray dogs from key public areas, including educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, and sports complexes.
The apex court, in its directive, explicitly mandated that the concerned authorities must ensure all captured stray canines are relocated to designated dog shelters. The ruling is expected to have a major impact on commuter safety and public health, especially at high-traffic zones like railway and bus hubs where the presence of stray dogs often poses a risk of accidents and bites.
The order underscores the need for a balance between animal welfare and public safety, moving the focus from simple culling to managed relocation and shelter care. The ruling comes amidst persistent reports of inconvenience and danger posed by the growing number of stray dogs in public infrastructure areas.
Authorities responsible for the upkeep and management of these public spaces—including transport departments, railway boards, and municipal bodies—are now tasked with the immediate implementation of this sweeping judicial mandate. The move is anticipated to be a challenging logistical exercise, requiring the mobilisation of animal welfare workers and municipal resources to comply with the court’s decision effectively and humanely.
