New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a sweeping directive to curb the “alarming rise of dog-bite incidents” across the country, ordering that all educational institutions, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands, railway stations and similar public areas be properly fenced to prevent the entry of stray dogs.

The apex court ruled that local self-government bodies would be responsible for capturing stray dogs from these premises and relocating them to designated shelters after vaccination and sterilisation, in line with the Animal Birth Control Rules. The Court emphasised that dogs removed from these areas must not be released back into the same location, noting that doing so would “frustrate the very purpose of liberating such institutions from the presence of stray dogs.”

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria passed the order in the suo motu case concerning stray dogs. The Court also directed local authorities to conduct regular inspections to ensure no stray dog habitats exist within these premises.

In addition to stray dogs, the Court issued instructions for the removal of stray cattle and other animals from roads and highways, highlighting concerns over public safety and accessibility.