New Delhi, 27 Oct

The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on states and Union Territories for failing to submit compliance affidavits in the ongoing stray dogs case, warning that continuous attacks and inaction were tarnishing India’s image abroad.

A three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria directed the chief secretaries of all states and UTs, except West Bengal and Telangana, to appear before it on 3 November and explain why they ignored the court’s earlier order.

“It is 27 October today. No response, nothing. Continuous incidents are happening. Your country is being shown as down in foreign countries,” the bench remarked.

Only West Bengal, Telangana, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have filed compliance reports so far, the court noted. The bench expressed anger that even after its 22 August directive, most states had shown “complete disregard.”

The court was hearing a suo motu case concerning stray dog attacks and the enforcement of Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules across the country. It had earlier expanded the scope of the case to include all states and UTs, seeking detailed affidavits on available infrastructure, dog pounds, veterinary staff, catching units, and modified vehicles.

On Monday, the court also pulled up the Delhi government for not filing its affidavit despite being aware of the order. “You are in Delhi, the order was passed in Delhi and in your presence, and nothing has happened,” the bench said, summoning Delhi’s Chief Secretary to appear next week.

When an advocate mentioned cruelty to stray dogs, the bench shot back, “What about cruelty to humans?”, highlighting the growing number of bite cases.

The judges further warned that failure to comply could lead to penalties and coercive action, even jokingly remarking that if states failed to appear, “we will hold the court in the auditorium.”

In its earlier orders, the apex court had temporarily lifted its ban on releasing vaccinated stray dogs, terming it “too harsh”, and allowed their release post-sterilisation and deworming. However, dogs infected or suspected of having rabies are to remain in shelters.

The 11 August directions had also instructed Delhi-NCR authorities to pick up stray dogs from all localities and create proper shelters.

The case originated in July 2024 after reports of rising stray dog bites, especially among children, in Delhi and neighbouring cities triggered public concern.

The court said it would continue to monitor the issue “gradually and carefully” until long-term solutions were implemented.