New Delhi

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday permitted euthanasia of rabid, terminally ill and demonstrably dangerous stray dogs, marking the first time the apex court has explicitly allowed such action in view of growing concerns over attacks on humans and rising rabies cases.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria issued a series of directions aimed at tackling the increasing stray dog population and ensuring public safety.

The court said civic authorities could resort to euthanasia in cases where stray dogs are found to be rabid, incurably ill or pose a serious and continuing threat to people through repeated aggressive behaviour or attacks. It stressed that such action must only be carried out after assessment by veterinary experts and strictly in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, and other prescribed legal protocols.

The bench observed that preventing indiscriminate violence while also safeguarding human life was essential, adding that authorities cannot ignore situations where stray dog populations have become unmanageable and dangerous.

The order came in a suo motu case initiated by the apex court last year after reports highlighted a rise in dog bite incidents and rabies infections, particularly affecting children in Delhi.

The Supreme Court also dismissed pleas seeking a recall of its earlier order concerning the relocation and sterilisation of stray dogs. Reaffirming its earlier stance, the court said the right to live with dignity includes the freedom to move in public spaces without fear of dog attacks.

It directed all states and Union Territories to strictly implement its previous order that stray dogs picked up from public places should not be released back at the same location after sterilisation and vaccination. Instead, authorities were instructed to shift them to designated shelters.

Further, the court asked states and UTs to strengthen the Animal Birth Control (ABC) mechanism by establishing at least one fully functional ABC centre in every district. These centres, the court said, should be equipped with proper infrastructure, trained staff, surgical facilities and logistical support to manage sterilisation and vaccination programmes effectively.

The bench noted that incidents involving stray dogs have affected children, elderly citizens and even international visitors, making the issue a matter of urgent public concern.

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In November last year, the Supreme Court had already expressed concern over the sharp increase in dog bite cases near schools, hospitals and railway stations, prompting it to order the relocation of sterilised and vaccinated stray dogs to shelters instead of releasing them back into crowded public spaces.