'Administer Lethal Injection to Dangerous Dogs': Supreme Court's Historic Verdict

The Supreme Court has dismissed all applications and petitions seeking to modify or recall its order dated November 7, 2025, regarding the relocation and sterilization of stray dogs.

The Court has also dismissed all petitions challenging the validity of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India concerning stray animals.

Court States: We Cannot Turn a Blind Eye

Making stern observations, the Court noted that states and Union Territories have failed to make consistent efforts toward establishing the necessary infrastructure required to tackle the growing population of stray dogs.

While delivering its verdict, the Court stated that it cannot turn a blind eye to reports emerging from various parts of the country regarding attacks on children and the elderly. The Court observed that ordinary citizens have become vulnerable in public spaces, and even international travelers have fallen victim to such incidents.

Animal Birth Control Centers to be Established in Every District

The Court directed that it be ensured that at least one fully functional Animal Birth Control (ABC) center is established in every district. These centers must be equipped with the necessary infrastructure, surgical facilities, and supporting logistics. Furthermore, every staff member is to undergo proper training.

The Court emphasized that states and Union Territories must take all necessary measures to implement these directives and are required to comply with them—both in letter and in spirit—without any delay.

Directives to Ensure Availability of Anti-Rabies Vaccines

The Court has ordered states and Union Territories to ensure that anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins are made available in adequate quantities at all government medical centers. Additionally, arrangements are to be made to address the issue of the presence of stray animals on national highways and expressways.

Verdict on Euthanasia for Sick and Dangerous Dogs

The Court held that in cases where dogs are incurably ill, suffering from rabies, or are demonstrably dangerous and aggressive, their euthanasia—in accordance with Animal Birth Control Rules and other applicable statutory protocols—may be considered as a means to effectively eliminate the threat posed to human life and safety.

No Action Against Officials

The Apex Court explicitly stated that the concerned officials entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the Court’s directives shall be entitled to appropriate protection for discharging their duties and official functions in good faith.

The Court further clarified that no FIR or criminal proceedings shall be initiated against officials engaged in the implementation of the Court’s directives.

High Courts Directed to Take Suo Motu Cognizance

The Apex Court directed all High Courts to take suo motu cognizance to ensure compliance with the directives issued by the Supreme Court. They shall have the liberty to expand the scope of such directives—or modify them as deemed necessary—to address local conditions and immediate exigencies; however, in doing so, the core spirit and objective of the directives issued by the Supreme Court must not be diluted in any manner.

Courts with the relevant jurisdiction have been directed to initiate appropriate action against officials found to be at fault for non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives, for displaying inaction, or for willfully disregarding the instructions.