The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that all stray dogs be removed from areas near schools, colleges, hospitals, bus and railway stations, and sports complexes. The court said that the dogs should be vaccinated, sterilised, and then shifted to shelters in line with the Animal Birth Control Rules.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria said that stray dogs should not be released back to the same places where they were caught. “Allowing this would defeat the purpose of keeping such public places free from stray dogs,” the bench stated.

This order came in a case the Supreme Court had taken up on its own (suo motu) on July 28, after reports of increasing dog attacks, rabies cases, and child bite incidents across the country. The top court has directed all states and union territories to identify every educational and sports institution in their area.

It has also asked District Magistrates (DMs) to make sure schools, colleges, hospitals, and government offices are properly fenced so that stray dogs cannot enter. Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance. If any stray dogs are found in these areas, they must be caught, vaccinated, and moved to shelters, not returned to their original location. The case will be heard again on January 13.

Earlier this week, the court said it would issue interim directions to address the growing menace of dog bites, especially in areas where people feed or encourage stray dogs. Last month, the court criticised most states, except West Bengal and Telangana, for not taking steps to control the stray dog problem and for failing to submit compliance reports. It observed that frequent dog attacks were “showing the country in a bad light before foreign nations.”

In a related order, the Supreme Court also directed authorities to remove stray cattle from roads and highways. Referring to the Rajasthan High Court’s earlier directions, the top court said municipal bodies and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) must ensure highways and expressways are kept clear of animals.

Authorities have been told to conduct joint surveys to find areas where stray cattle are common and take steps to remove them. States must also set up gaushalas (cow shelters) and other facilities to house these animals. The court said 24/7 highway patrol teams should be deployed to monitor roads, and helpline numbers must be displayed prominently on highways to report stray animals or related accidents.