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The court concluded the hearing after listening to submissions from state governments, the Centre, animal welfare groups, dog lovers, and victims of dog attacks.
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its judgment on a batch of petitions concerning the growing menace of stray dogs and directed all states and stakeholders to submit their written submissions within a week.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria heard detailed arguments from all sides over two days.
The court concluded the hearing after listening to submissions from state governments, the Centre, animal welfare groups, dog lovers, and victims of dog attacks.
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During the proceedings, the apex court expressed serious concern over the lack of effective implementation of earlier directions, particularly with regard to sterilisation of stray dogs, setting up dog pounds, and removing strays from the premises of schools, colleges, and other public institutions.
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On Wednesday, the bench sharply criticised several states for what it described as inaction and superficial compliance.
Reacting to claims made by states about steps taken to control the stray dog population, the court remarked, “They are all building castles in the air,” and dismissed some submissions as “concocted stories.”
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The court also questioned Assam’s preparedness, noting that despite recording 1.66 lakh dog bite cases in 2024, the state has only one functional dog shelter.
The bench further flagged concerns over the 20,900 dog bite cases reported in January 2025 alone, calling for urgent corrective measures.
After hearing all parties, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment and asked states and other stakeholders to place their detailed written arguments on record within a week.
