Supreme Court Calls for Stricter Measures to Address Rising Dog-Bite Incidents: What Institutions Must Do Now

By PP & Associates

India has seen a worrying rise in dog-bite cases over the past few years, prompting the Supreme Court to step in with strong directions to safeguard the public. The Court has now ordered state governments and local bodies to ensure that schools, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations are kept free from the presence of stray dogs.

The ruling focuses on two key concerns: public safety and the proper implementation of animal-welfare regulations.

What the Supreme Court Has Ordered

The Court has asked state authorities and local municipal bodies to take immediate action across all public-facing institutions. The major directives include:

1. Identification of Premises
   All government and private schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stands, depots, sports complexes and railway stations must be officially listed for stray-dog monitoring.
2. Securing Buildings
   Institutions must have effective fencing, gates or structural safeguards to prevent stray-dog entry.
3. Appointment of Nodal Officer
   Every institution must assign a designated officer responsible for monitoring stray-dog issues.
   Their name and contact details must be displayed at the entrance and shared with local authorities.
4. Quarterly Inspections
   Municipal bodies must inspect the listed buildings at least once every three months to ensure that stray dogs have not made shelters or entry points within the premises.
5. Removal and Relocation of Stray Dogs
   Stray dogs found inside these sensitive zones must be safely removed, vaccinated and sterilised as per the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
   Once relocated, the dogs cannot be released back to the exact spot they were picked.
6. Mandatory Stock of Anti-Rabies Medicines
   All hospitals must maintain a steady supply of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin.
7. Awareness Sessions
   Schools and institutions must train students, teachers and staff on:
   • Safe behaviour around animals
   • First-aid steps after a dog bite
   • Reporting procedures
8. Guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India
   The Court has asked the Board to issue uniform Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) so that all states follow the same rules.

Why This Order Matters

Protecting Vulnerable Groups

Children, patients and commuters face the highest risk of dog-bite incidents. With increasing cases being reported across the country, strict preventive measures have become necessary.

Accountability for Local Bodies

Municipal and panchayat authorities are now legally bound to take prompt action. Regular inspections and proper relocation of stray dogs are no longer optional.

Balance Between Public Safety and Animal Welfare

The Court is not allowing arbitrary culling.
It insists on:

• Sterilisation
• Vaccination
• Proper shelters
  This aligns safety with humane treatment.

Institutional Responsibility

Schools, hospitals and transport hubs will need to invest in:

• Fencing
• Waste-management systems
• Staff training
• Record-keeping
  This will likely become part of compliance audits.

What Institutions Should Do Immediately

Here’s a practical action plan for institutions to stay compliant:

1. Survey the premises and identify vulnerable access points.
2. Install fencing, gates or controlled-entry systems.
3. Appoint a Nodal Officer and notify the municipal body.
4. Improve garbage disposal so food waste doesn’t attract dogs.
5. Coordinate with municipal authorities for the timely removal and vaccination of strays.
6. Keep logs of inspections, awareness programmes and sterilisation certificates.
7. Maintain stocks of first-aid supplies and anti-rabies medicines (especially for hospitals).
8. Conduct periodic awareness sessions for students, staff and visitors.

How PP & Associates Can Help

At PP & Associates, we advise institutions on complying with regulatory frameworks, especially when new legal directions come into force.

Our assistance includes:

• Drafting Nodal Officer policies and safety protocols
• Advising on municipal coordination and documentation
• Preparing internal SOPs for staff and students
• Reviewing contracts for fencing, waste management and security
• Providing legal support in case of disputes or liability issues

Institutions often underestimate the legal risks arising from dog-bite incidents. With proper guidance, compliance can become smoother, more effective and legally sound.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s directions mark a turning point in how India handles stray-dog safety, especially in crowded or sensitive public spaces. By acting quickly and following the mandated procedures, institutions can safeguard people, reduce legal risks, and contribute to a more humane and well-regulated system.

If you need legal assistance in implementing these measures, PP & Associates is ready to support you with actionable, practical and compliant solutions.