The Supreme Court, in the ongoing Stray Dogs matter, on Monday summoned the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories — except West Bengal and Telangana — for failing to submit compliance affidavits regarding the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.

A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria noted that despite clear directions issued on August 22, only West Bengal, Telangana, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi had filed their affidavits. Expressing strong displeasure, the Court directed the Chief Secretaries of all defaulting States/UTs to appear in person on November 3, to explain the delay and warned of potential coercive steps or costs for non-compliance.

Justice Vikram Nath remarked that despite wide media coverage and prior notices, several States failed to act:

“Continuous incidents are occurring, and the country’s image is being tarnished globally. We are also reading these reports,” he said.

The Bench further questioned Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave over the absence of an affidavit from the Government of NCT of Delhi, warning that failure to comply may invite strict consequences.

“Chief Secretary must explain why no affidavit has been filed. If not, we will impose costs and take coercive measures… All Chief Secretaries to remain present, else we’ll hold the Court in the auditorium,” Justice Nath cautioned.

The matter arises from the suo motu case titled “In Re: City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay The Price”.

On July 28, a Bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan took suo motu cognizance based on a Times of India report highlighting the rising menace of stray dog attacks. On August 11, it directed Delhi authorities to remove stray dogs from public areas and relocate them to shelters, extending similar directions to Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad.

However, following representations before the Chief Justice of India, the case was transferred to a three-judge Bench led by Justice Vikram Nath. On August 22, the Bench stayed the earlier directions, calling the blanket ban on releasing sterilized and vaccinated dogs “too harsh.”

Invoking Rule 11(9) of the ABC Rules, the Court clarified that sterilized, vaccinated, and dewormed stray dogs must be released back into their original areas, except those infected with rabies, suspected of infection, or showing aggressive tendencies.

The Court also prohibited public feeding of stray dogs outside designated feeding zones and warned individuals and NGOs against obstructing municipal authorities in carrying out duties under the ABC Rules. Expanding the scope of the case nationwide, the Bench impleaded Animal Husbandry Secretaries and municipal bodies of all States/UTs to ensure uniform compliance. It also decided to bring similar petitions pending before High Courts under its purview to formulate a national policy on stray dogs.

Case Title: In Re: “City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay The Price”, SMW(C) No. 5/2025