Supreme Court orders removal of stray dogs from public premises, cattle from highways

Guwahati: The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the immediate removal of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, depots, and railway stations, relocating them “to a designated shelter, after due sterilisation and vaccination.”

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria ruled that the animals “shall not be released back to the same location.”

Municipal and local authorities are tasked with the removals, with compliance to be reviewed on January 13, 2026.

The court said states and UTs must identify all relevant premises within two weeks, and administrative heads must ensure adequate fencing and gates to prevent the entry of stray dogs.

Each institution must appoint a nodal officer, whose details will be displayed and inspected quarterly by the authorities.

Municipal bodies, transport and public works departments, and NHAI are directed to coordinate drives relocating stray cattle and animals from highways to shelters, providing food, water, and veterinary care.

The court directed dedicated patrol teams and road safety units shall monitor roads around the clock, coordinating with local police and veterinary officers.

It further stated that all highways and expressways must display helpline numbers connected to control rooms for real-time reporting.

Chief secretaries, NHAI chairpersons, and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways are responsible for strict enforcement, holding officers accountable.

Authorities must submit compliance certificates on patrol teams, helplines, and shelter arrangements within eight weeks.