Expressing evident frustration in the matter of stray dogs, the Supreme Court bench of Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice NV Anjaria summoned the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories—except West Bengal and Telangana—to clarify their failure to submit compliance affidavits detailing efforts under the Animal Birth Control Rules. Despite explicit directions issued on August 22, only West Bengal, Telangana, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi complied, prompting the Court to demand direct accountability from the remaining officials next Monday.

Noting its strong disapproval, the bench highlighted the lack of response and media coverage of the orders, with Justice Nath remarking, “Continuous incidents are happening and the image of the country is being shown as down in the eyes of foreign nations.

We are also reading news reports,” stated the judges while putting the Government of National Capital Territory(NCT) of Delhi on notice.

Taking strong exception to the inaction of the NCT government, the bench pulled up the administration, stating, “WhyNational Capital Territory NCT has not filed affidavit? Chief Secretary to come up with explanation...otherwise cost may be imposed and coercive steps will be taken...notices were issued to all states/UTs...your officers don't read newspapers or social media? Everyone has reported this...Once they are aware, they should come forward! All Chief Secretaries to remain present on November 3, else we will hold the Court in auditorium."

The matter, taken up suo motu as, “In Re : City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pray The Price,” stems from earlier Supreme Court directions for Delhi and surrounding regions to relocate dogs to shelters.

However, a three-judge bench, on August 22, modified these orders, finding the prohibition on releasing treated dogs “too harsh” and stating that dogs must be returned to their locality post sterilization and immunization, barring exceptions for rabid or aggressive animals.

Furthermore, the Court ordered the prohibition of feeding stray dogs in public spaces and called for dedicated feeding areas, reiterating that interruptions of municipal efforts will invite legal action.

The case now impacts all States and UTs, with the Supreme Court aiming to bring related High Court petitions under its umbrella to develop a nationwide policy on stray dog management.

Order awaited.

CaseDetails: IN RE : 'CITY HOUNDED BY STRAYS, KIDS PAY PRICE', SMW(C) No. 5/2025