“Foreign Tourists Also Bitten by Dogs”  (Dogs” ) 

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking to withdraw its directives regarding the removal of dogs    (Dogs” )    from the premises of public institutions. The Supreme Court rejected the request to modify its previous order. The apex court has dismissed the petition filed by dog ​​lovers. This means that the Supreme Court’s order to remove dogs from public places—such as schools, colleges, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands—will remain in force.
The Court stated, “We are dismissing all applications filed against the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) of the Animal Welfare Board.” The Supreme Court refused to modify its November 25 order, which mandated the removal of all stray dogs from institutional areas such as schools, hospitals, and railway stations. The directive prohibiting the release of stray dogs back into these areas will also remain in effect. The Court observed, “The states should have adhered to the Animal Birth Control Rules; had they done so, such a situation would not have arisen.” The Court emphasized that this is a matter concerning public health, safety, and ecological balance.

“Foreign Tourists Also Bitten by Dogs”
The apex court noted, “The problem of dog bites is a matter of grave concern. We have received alarming statistics from Ganganagar, Sikar, Udaipur, and Bhilwara in Rajasthan. Similar statistics have emerged from other states, including Tamil Nadu. At Delhi’s IGI Airport alone, 31 incidents of dog bites have been reported between January and the present date. Foreign tourists, too, have been bitten by dogs. Furthermore, numerous fatalities caused by rabies have been reported across the country.”

The apex court further stated, “There has been serious negligence in the proper implementation of the ABC (Animal Birth Control) Rules, which has exacerbated the problem. The states failed to properly comply with our order dated November 7, 2025. Incidents of stray dog ​​bites are occurring with alarming frequency.”

The Court highlighted, “In Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, dogs bit 1,084 people in the span of just one month.” “Young children have sustained very severe injuries. In Tamil Nadu alone, approximately 200,000 cases of dog bites have been recorded over the last four months.” The Supreme Court observed, “We have been apprised of incidents of dog bites occurring at airports, residential areas, urban centers, and similar locations. The recurring nature of dog bite incidents at the country’s busiest airport (IGI) itself points to a grave failure of competence.”

**Consequences of Non-Compliance with Directives…**
The Supreme Court noted that, in Surat, a German tourist was bitten by a dog. Such incidents severely erode public trust in the urban administration. The Court warned that if its directives are not adhered to, contempt proceedings will be initiated against the respective states.

The Court directed that employees be provided with appropriate training and that anti-rabies vaccines be made readily available. It further directed the NHAI to take measures to remove stray cattle from highways, establish *Gaushalas* (cow shelters), and relocate the cattle to these facilities. Additionally, the Court suggested that consideration be given to culling severely ill and dangerous dogs.

**”Dogs for whom treatment is not possible should be euthanized”**
The Supreme Court stated, “Officials taking steps to comply with our orders must be allowed to discharge their duties without hindrance. No court shall entertain proceedings against such officials except in unavoidable circumstances. All High Courts are directed to ensure strict compliance with these orders and to initiate necessary action—including contempt proceedings—against any official failing to adhere to them.”

The Supreme Court further observed, “In cities or localities where the problem of stray dogs has become particularly acute, expert assistance should be sought to bring the situation under control. Infected dogs for whom treatment is not feasible, and which pose a threat to society, should be humanely euthanized.”