Supreme Court Hears Pleas on ‘Jailing’ Stray Dogs

PETA urges humane, scientific solutions as court weighs public safety concerns

January 7, 2026: The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments on petitions seeking directions to round up and jail stray dogs, with the matter set to continue. During the hearing, animal welfare organisation PETA India informed the court that it had submitted detailed roadmaps to the Prime Minister, states and union territories, and statutory bodies, outlining lawful and humane ways to manage community dog and cattle populations while addressing public health concerns.

PETA said its recommendations focus on enforcing the Animal Birth Control Dog Rules, 2023, strengthening sterilisation and rabies vaccination programmes, and curbing illegal pet shops, breeders and dairies. The group argued that diverting resources toward “jailing” dogs would undermine proven population-control measures and disease prevention efforts, while also calling for greater adoption of street animals and action against illegal dogfighting practices.

A three-judge bench examined the broader issue of public safety, particularly the risks posed by stray dogs and cattle on streets, highways and expressways. While senior advocates stressed humane coexistence, the court questioned how citizens could assess animal behaviour in public spaces. In recent observations, the bench indicated that removed animals should not be released back into public areas, signalling a possible shift away from the long-followed sterilisation-and-return model and reviving debate over stricter removal policies versus welfare-based approaches.