National News

Supreme Court on Stray Dogs

May 25 , 2026 14 hrs 0 min 29 0

The Supreme Court of India allowed civic authorities to take legal action, including euthanasia, against rabid, incurably ill, or highly dangerous stray dogs under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
The Court said Article 21 of the Constitution protects citizens’ right to life and safety from stray dog attacks.
It also stated that Article 19(1)(d) gives citizens the right to move freely in public places without fear.
The Court directed every State and Union Territory to establish at least one Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre in each district with trained veterinary staff.
States were instructed to ensure the availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in government hospitals.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, allow euthanasia only for rabid, terminally ill, or fatally injured dogs.