Maharashtra bars return of sterilised stray dogs to schools, hospitals, airports

The Maharashtra government has issued strict guidelines barring urban local bodies from releasing sterilised and vaccinated stray dogs into protected spaces such as schools, hospitals and airports, in line with Supreme Court orders. Civic bodies have been told to capture stray dogs for sterilisation, vaccination and deworming, shift them to recognised shelters and identify designated feeding zones.

Under a Government Resolution issued by the Urban Development Department, local bodies must also assess local conditions and public safety before extending similar measures to other crowded public places, including educational institutions, sports complexes, bus stands and depots, interstate bus terminals and railway station premises. Stray dogs found at such locations must be immediately captured, sterilised and vaccinated before being moved to recognised shelters, and must not be released back at the same spots.

The resolution, issued in compliance with Supreme Court orders and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, directs civic bodies to strengthen existing sterilisation and vaccination centres, create additional infrastructure where required and increase the number of such centres based on the stray dog population, density and geographical spread. It says adequate veterinary infrastructure, surgical facilities, trained personnel and other support arrangements must be ensured.

Every urban local body has also been asked to set up a helpline for complaints related to stray dogs and run large-scale public awareness campaigns on treatment and preventive steps after dog bites. The government has directed them to maintain adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin at all public health centres and hospitals. In areas where stray dog numbers have reached alarming levels, or where repeated bite incidents and attacks threaten public safety, rabid, terminally ill or extremely aggressive dogs may be euthanised after consultation with veterinary experts. It said such action must strictly follow the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The resolution also asked authorities to coordinate with the National Highways Authority of India to address the issue of stray animals on national highways in line with court directions.

Last year, the Supreme Court ordered the relocation and sterilisation of stray dogs, saying the "right to live with dignity includes the right to move freely without fear of dog attacks". The order had triggered protests from a section of animal lovers, and in May this year the apex court dismissed petitions seeking a recall of its order. The Maharashtra government said officials implementing the court's directions in good faith would get legal protection and would not face FIRs or criminal proceedings, unless there was prima facie evidence of mala fide action, misuse of official powers or violation of court orders. It also warned that officials who repeatedly fail to comply with the Supreme Court's directions could face legal action, including contempt of court proceedings.

The Maharashtra government has issued strict guidelines barring urban local bodies from releasing sterilised and vaccinated stray dogs into protected spaces such as schools, hospitals and airports, in line with Supreme Court orders. Civic bodies have been told to capture stray dogs for sterilisation, vaccination and deworming, shift them to recognised shelters and identify designated feeding zones.

Under a Government Resolution issued by the Urban Development Department, local bodies must also assess local conditions and public safety before extending similar measures to other crowded public places, including educational institutions, sports complexes, bus stands and depots, interstate bus terminals and railway station premises. Stray dogs found at such locations must be immediately captured, sterilised and vaccinated before being moved to recognised shelters, and must not be released back at the same spots.

The resolution, issued in compliance with Supreme Court orders and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, directs civic bodies to strengthen existing sterilisation and vaccination centres, create additional infrastructure where required and increase the number of such centres based on the stray dog population, density and geographical spread. It says adequate veterinary infrastructure, surgical facilities, trained personnel and other support arrangements must be ensured.

Every urban local body has also been asked to set up a helpline for complaints related to stray dogs and run large-scale public awareness campaigns on treatment and preventive steps after dog bites. The government has directed them to maintain adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin at all public health centres and hospitals. In areas where stray dog numbers have reached alarming levels, or where repeated bite incidents and attacks threaten public safety, rabid, terminally ill or extremely aggressive dogs may be euthanised after consultation with veterinary experts. It said such action must strictly follow the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The resolution also asked authorities to coordinate with the National Highways Authority of India to address the issue of stray animals on national highways in line with court directions.

Last year, the Supreme Court ordered the relocation and sterilisation of stray dogs, saying the "right to live with dignity includes the right to move freely without fear of dog attacks". The order had triggered protests from a section of animal lovers, and in May this year the apex court dismissed petitions seeking a recall of its order. The Maharashtra government said officials implementing the court's directions in good faith would get legal protection and would not face FIRs or criminal proceedings, unless there was prima facie evidence of mala fide action, misuse of official powers or violation of court orders. It also warned that officials who repeatedly fail to comply with the Supreme Court's directions could face legal action, including contempt of court proceedings.