Supreme Court To Deliver Verdict In Stray Dogs Case On November 7

New Delhi, Nov 3: The Supreme Court on Monday announced that it will deliver its order in the stray dogs case on November 7, after reviewing compliance reports submitted by states and Union Territories regarding the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.

A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria noted the presence of most state and UT chief secretaries before the court. The bench granted exemption to Kerala’s chief secretary after being informed that the principal secretary was present on behalf of the state.

The bench also directed that the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) be made a party to the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that most states and UTs have filed their compliance affidavits as directed earlier.

“List for orders on November 7,” the bench stated, adding that the personal presence of chief secretaries will no longer be required unless a default in compliance is noted in the future.

During the previous hearing on October 27, the apex court had expressed dissatisfaction over the non-filing of compliance affidavits by several states and UTs despite its August 22 directive. It had summoned chief secretaries  except those from West Bengal and Telangana  to explain the delay.

The Supreme Court had earlier emphasized that the ABC Rules must be implemented uniformly across India and directed all municipal authorities to submit detailed affidavits outlining available resources such as veterinarians, dog pounds, dog-catching personnel, and modified vehicles and cages.

The case originated suo motu on July 28, following media reports highlighting an alarming rise in stray dog bite incidents leading to rabies cases, particularly among children in Delhi. The court subsequently expanded the scope of the case nationwide to ensure comprehensive enforcement of the ABC Rules.