The Supreme Court of India is set to issue a landmark order on November 7, 2025, regulating the feeding of stray dogs within government offices and institutional premises across the country. The move comes as part of an ongoing suo motu case concerning the growing stray dog menace and increasing reports of attacks in various parts of India. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, has made it clear that unregulated feeding practices within government establishments have become a significant concern, often leading to congregation of dogs and safety issues for employees and visitors. Earlier, the Court had taken serious note of the non-compliance by states and union territories with the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2023, which mandate sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs. Following repeated lapses, the bench summoned Chief Secretaries from all states and UTs to appear personally and explain why they had failed to submit compliance reports. During the recent hearing, several Chief Secretaries tendered unconditional apologies to the Court for their default. The bench, however, observed that the issue of feeding dogs in public institutions needed immediate attention, as employees feeding stray dogs in office compounds were complicating population control efforts. While animal welfare advocates requested to be heard before the order was passed, the bench declined, stating that institutional feeding issues did not require additional hearings. The upcoming order is expected to establish clear regulations, possibly designating controlled feeding zones, prohibiting feeding in sensitive areas, and holding administrative heads accountable for violations. The Animal Welfare Board of India has been made a party to the case to assist in framing and implementing guidelines. The directions are also expected to reinforce the Supreme Court’s earlier order from August 2025, which had prohibited unregulated public feeding of stray dogs and recommended designated feeding areas under municipal supervision. This ruling is significant as it aims to strike a balance between compassion for animals and public safety. It underscores that while stray dogs must be treated humanely—through sterilisation, vaccination, and proper sheltering—their uncontrolled feeding within institutions poses real risks. The Court has also emphasised that incidents of dog attacks tarnish India’s image and that the lack of enforcement reflects poorly on local governance. Once issued, the order is likely to form the foundation for a uniform national policy on feeding regulations and stray dog management. For government departments and large organisations, compliance will mean rethinking internal policies, establishing feeding zones, and coordinating with civic bodies to ensure humane and safe practices. The verdict is expected to bring much-needed clarity to a long-standing debate that has pitted animal rights against public safety, and its implementation will test the administrative will of both local bodies and state governments.
