Supreme Court Steps In Over Rising Stray Dog Attacks, Calls Situation “Alarming and Disturbing”

Supreme Court on Stray Dogs: The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu (on its own) action over the growing number of fatal stray dog attacks across the country, calling the situation both “alarming” and “disturbing.” A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan initiated proceedings after reading a Times of India report detailing the tragic death of a six-year-old girl in Delhi from rabies after a dog bite.

“This is a highly disturbing news report titled ‘City hounded by strays and kids pay price’. It contains extremely troubling details,” the bench observed. The court noted that hundreds of dog bite incidents are being reported from both urban and rural areas, many of which have led to rabies infections. Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly are especially at risk, the court added.

Justice Pardiwala read out the operative part of the order, stating, “We are taking suo motu cognisance. The registry has been directed to treat this as a suo motu writ petition and place the matter, along with the news report, before the Chief Justice of India for necessary directions.”

The case that triggered this intervention involved Chavi Sharma, a six-year-old from Delhi’s Pooth Kalan area. She was attacked by a rabid stray dog on June 30. Despite receiving initial medical care, she succumbed to rabies on July 26 — a heartbreaking example of what can happen when dog bite cases aren’t followed by timely and proper treatment. [Also Know: Supreme Court Orders Stray Dog Relocation in Delhi-NCR, Sparking Intense Debate]

This development also follows recent remarks from another Supreme Court bench—Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta—made earlier this month. While hearing a separate case on July 15 related to stray dog feeding in public spaces, the bench expressed serious concerns about public safety.

“Do you go cycling in the morning?” the bench asked the petitioner’s lawyer. “Try it one day and see what happens,” they added, highlighting the growing risks faced by morning joggers, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders due to stray dogs on the streets, especially in isolated areas.

The case in question was filed by Reema Shah, who challenged a March 3, 2025, Allahabad High Court order that sought to strike a balance between compassion for animals and public safety. Shah had asked the top court to designate specific spots for feeding stray dogs in Noida, relying on a 2021 Delhi High Court ruling that directed civic authorities to identify such areas in consultation with RWAs and the Animal Welfare Board.

The Delhi High Court had also urged the formation of animal welfare committees in housing colonies and directed police to protect dog feeders from harassment. While the Supreme Court was initially inclined to dismiss Shah’s plea, it later agreed to club it with other similar pending cases dealing with stray dog attacks and feeding regulations. [Also Know - When Compassion Meets Crisis: The Supreme Court’s Stray Dog Dilemma]

During the hearing, the bench of Justices Nath and Mehta voiced frustration over the issue, saying, “There is space for animals, but no space for humans. Should we open a separate lane on every street for large-hearted persons to feed stray dogs and cows?”

At the heart of this growing legal debate is Rule 20 of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The rule makes local bodies and Resident Welfare Associations responsible for arranging community dog feeding while ensuring safety for people in the area. While courts have upheld the rule in principle, its real-world implementation has often been inconsistent and met with resistance from civic bodies and residents.

With the Supreme Court now formally stepping in, the issue of stray dog management and public safety may finally receive the focused legal and administrative attention it urgently needs.