The Supreme Court of India ruled that municipal authorities may euthanize stray dogs that are rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably aggressive [1, 2].
This decision establishes a legal framework for balancing animal welfare with human safety in high-traffic public areas. By permitting the removal of dangerous animals, the court aims to curb threats to human life in sensitive locations such as schools, and hospitals [2, 4].
Justices J.B. Paridwala and R. Mahadevan presided over the bench that delivered the ruling on May 19, 2024 [1, 2]. The court said that the safety of the public is paramount and that states must follow statutory protocols to manage dog attacks [5].
While the ruling allows for euthanasia in specific cases, it does not replace existing animal welfare mandates. The court reaffirmed the necessity of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, which focuses on the vaccination and sterilization of stray populations to manage growth and disease [1, 2].
The ruling follows previous judicial directions regarding the management of strays. The court referenced an earlier order regarding the removal of stray dogs from public places issued between August 2025 [6] and November 2025 [7].
According to the court, the decision carries major implications for public safety and animal control policies by addressing the growing threat posed by aggressive animals in public spaces [3]. Municipal bodies are now authorized to act when a dog is deemed a danger to the community, provided they adhere to the established legal protocols [2, 5].
“The safety of the public is paramount”
This ruling shifts the legal priority toward human safety in cases of extreme animal aggression or illness. While India has historically leaned toward the Animal Birth Control (ABC) model of sterilization and vaccination, the court is now providing a legal mechanism for the permanent removal of 'high-risk' animals to prevent fatalities in public spaces.
