On 27th October 2025, the supreme court of India, took a strong stand on the growing stray dog problem. The court ordered all court secretaries of every state and union territories to appear in the court personally on November 3rd, 2025. Reason being , that most states have yet not shared the reports on how they are following Animal Birth Control Rule, 2023 which were meant to control the population of stay dogs through sterilization and vaccination.
What is this case all about?
- The case started after many reports of dog biting have increased, especially among children and women.
- The court then took the issue seriously and took a decision in July 2025 to catch the stray dogs of Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and other NCR cities.
- Later because of the protests , the supreme court took the decision away, saying that the sterilized and vaccinated dogs shall be released back in their original areas according to ABC Rule.
- The court then ordered all the states and UT’s to follow the same and submit the report, but only Delhi, Telangana and west bengal sent their reports and rest ignored it.
What did the supreme court say now?
- The justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N. V. Anjaria were upset that most of the states did not follow the orders.
- They took a decision that on November 3rd all the defaulting states and UT’s chief Secretary to appear in person on November 3, 2025.
- The court also warned them that they might take strict actions or even impose fines if the delay continues.
- One officer even questioned if the officers read the newspaper or not and how can someone ignore such an important issue.
Why is this Important?
- Public Safety: in many states and UT’s rabies and dog bites have increased , without proper control , which is a major public health issue.
- ABC Rule: This rule applies in the whole country and every one shall follow this humane method of sertilising, vaccinating and releasing the dogs.
- Responsibility: By calling out all the chief secretaries all over India, the court made it sure that no one can escape it.
- Animal Safety: the court also reminded everyone that dogs shall be treated humanely and not to be relocated and killed.
What Happened Next?
- By calling out all the chief secretaries, the supreme court sent a strong message to follow the ABC rules and regulations.
- Local bodies and municipalities must carry out sterilization and vaccination drives.
- Feeding areas and shelters should be set up properly.
- And if the state fails to do so, the court might implement plenaries.
Conclusion:
The latest action of the Supreme Court is a wake-up call for the government. It shows that controlling the stray dog population is not just about animal rights , it’s also about public safety, health, and responsible governance. By the next hearing on November 3, we’ll know whether States are finally taking this issue seriously or whether the Court will have to crack down even harder.
