Bhatkal: After the Delhi High Court directed the government to formulate a rehabilitation policy and remove stray dogs from the streets, the Supreme Court of India on August 11, 2025 ordered civic authorities in Delhi and the NCR to capture stray dogs and relocate them to designated shelters within six to eight weeks, warning that individuals obstructing the order would face legal consequences
Shortly thereafter, the Rajasthan High Court, taking suo motu cognisance of escalating stray animal threats on public roads and highways, issued a comprehensive set of directives to municipal authorities.
The court, after reviewing rising incidents of attacks and fatalities caused by stray dogs and cattle, instructed all municipal bodies across the state to launch a special drive to remove stray dogs and other animals from city roads, ensuring minimal physical harm to them.
Earlier that same day, the Supreme Court mandated that stray dogs not be released back into neighborhoods and emphasized that public safety— especially for children and the elderly—must be prioritized, noting that sentiment should not impede civic action.
Following suit, the Rajasthan High Court said individuals deeply attached to stray dogs or wishing to feed them for religious or personal reasons should do so inside designated shelters rather than on public streets, which contributes to uncontrolled stray dog populations. The court further empowered civic officials to take legal action—including filing FIRs—against anyone obstructing efforts to control stray dogs.
Karnataka’s rising stray dog attacks
The menace extends beyond Rajasthan. In Karnataka, 2.86 lakh dog bite cases and 26 deaths due to suspected rabies were recorded between January and August this year. Between August 4 and 10 alone, 5,652 dog bite cases were reported across the state, though no rabies-related deaths occurred during that week, according to the State Surveillance Unit’s infectious disease report. Dog bite cases have increased by 37% over the same period compared to last year. The Health Department reports 3.6 lakh dog bite cases in 2024, with 42 deaths attributed to rabies.
In Uttara Kannada district, including Bhatkal, stray dog attacks on children are alarmingly common. In the past seven months, 7,000 dog bite cases have been recorded.
District-wise figures across Karnataka
In the same period, other districts have also reported alarmingly high numbers. Vijayapura tops the list with 15,527 cases, followed by Bengaluru (13,821), Dakshina Kannada (12,524), Bagalkot (12,391), Dharwad (7,000), Belagavi (7,000), Gadag (7,000), Chamarajanagar (1,500), and Kodagu (1,500).
With these judicial directives from the Delhi High Court, Supreme Court, and Rajasthan High Court, civic bodies across states now have clear legal backing to take stringent measures against the stray dog menace. The verdicts effectively shut the door on those who attempt to obstruct such efforts under the guise of animal welfare. Authorities can now plan immediate operations to remove stray dogs from streets and public spaces, aiming to provide long-term relief to the public from this persistent hazard.