NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday clarified that it had not ordered the removal of every dog from the streets and that its directions were limited to treating stray canines in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. Hearing arguments in a suo motu case on the stray dog issue, the apex court reiterated that its focus remained public safety and proper implementation of existing rules, not a blanket clearance of animals.A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria was considering a series of pleas, including those filed by dog lovers seeking modification of earlier directions, as well as petitions calling for stricter compliance. “We have not directed the removal of every dog from the streets. The direction is to treat them as per the rules,” Justice Mehta observed.During the hearing, the bench also made an observation on canine behaviour, noting that dogs can sense fear or past trauma in humans. Justice Nath remarked, “A dog can always smell a human who is afraid of dogs and who has suffered a dog bite and he will always attack.”Senior advocates including Shyam Divan, Sidharth Luthra, C U Singh, Krishnan Venugopal, Dhruv Mehta, Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Karuna Nundy made submissions on the complexities of managing stray dog populations. During his submissions, Singh pointed out that cities such as Delhi face a serious rodent problem and also grapple with a unique issue of monkey overpopulation. He warned that the abrupt removal of canines could worsen the rodent menace and lead to serious consequences.“When the rodent population increases, we have seen extremely disastrous outcomes,” he said.In a lighter remark, Justice Mehta noted that dogs and cats are natural enemies and that cats prey on rodents, adding, “So we should promote more cats.”The bench referred to a December 29, 2025 report in the Times of India titled “On the roof of the world, feral dogs hunt down Ladakh’s rare species” and asked lawyers to study it ahead of the next hearing.The hearing will continue on Friday.(With PTI inputs)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFrance Ditches Global South, Collective West As Jaishankar Warns Europe Of Changing World Order’Naughty, Nasty HM’: Mamata Slams Amit Shah After ED Raids TMC Leader Amid SIR RowPM Modi Launches ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’, Recalls Centuries-Old Resolve Behind Temple’s Revival“US Using Tariffs To Pressure India” Sareen Slams Trump Over Russia Sanction BillDonald Trump Pulls US Out Of India-Led Solar Alliance In Sweeping Exit From 66 Global AgenciesNew CCTV Footage Raises Questions Over Planning Behind Turkman Gate Clashes During Midnight DriveMinor Shooter Accuses National Coach Of Sexual Assault, NRAI Suspends Him Pending Police Inquiry’Agar Himmat Hay Toh…’: Mamata Banerjee Explodes After ED Raids I-PAC, Challenges HM Amit ShahPre-Poll Shock In Bengal As ED Raids I-PAC Office, CM Mamata Calls It Political Targeting By CentreCuban Ambassador Backs India’s ‘Dialogue’ Stance on Venezuela, Slams US’ ‘Military Aggression’123Photostories10 smart and comforting sooji dishes to enjoy for breakfastExclusive: Viraj Bahl on the public admiration he’s been getting due to Shark Tank India; says ‘I still feel embarrassed when people ask me for selfies’‘Toxic’: Kiara Advani, Nayanthara to Rukmini Vasanth: Meet the leading ladies of Yash’s highly anticipated comeback filmHow to make comforting Gajar Matar Ki Sabzi at home10 most democratic countries in the world12 banana desserts enjoyed around the world’The Office’ to ‘Modern Family’: Best sitcoms to watch on PeacockCute Indian pet names for babies born in January 2026Mrunal Thakur to Shraddha Kapoor: 5 times Bollywood actresses stole the show in Paithani sareesHow to make Classic Bengali Fish Curry for dinner at home123Hot PicksMinneapolis Woman ShootMaharashtra civic pollsGold rate todayUAE citizenshipCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingHaydn Fleury Net WorthTommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood Net WorthTravis KelceUS Strike VenezuelaTilak VarmaMaharashtra Civic PollsAnkush BhardwajGratuity calculationDelhi Demolition MosqueCandace Owens
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday clarified that it had not ordered the removal of every dog from the streets and that its directions were limited to treating stray canines in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. Hearing arguments in a suo motu case on the stray dog issue, the apex court reiterated that its focus remained public safety and proper implementation of existing rules, not a blanket clearance of animals.A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria was considering a series of pleas, including those filed by dog lovers seeking modification of earlier directions, as well as petitions calling for stricter compliance. “We have not directed the removal of every dog from the streets. The direction is to treat them as per the rules,” Justice Mehta observed.During the hearing, the bench also made an observation on canine behaviour, noting that dogs can sense fear or past trauma in humans. Justice Nath remarked, “A dog can always smell a human who is afraid of dogs and who has suffered a dog bite and he will always attack.”Senior advocates including Shyam Divan, Sidharth Luthra, C U Singh, Krishnan Venugopal, Dhruv Mehta, Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Karuna Nundy made submissions on the complexities of managing stray dog populations. During his submissions, Singh pointed out that cities such as Delhi face a serious rodent problem and also grapple with a unique issue of monkey overpopulation. He warned that the abrupt removal of canines could worsen the rodent menace and lead to serious consequences.“When the rodent population increases, we have seen extremely disastrous outcomes,” he said.In a lighter remark, Justice Mehta noted that dogs and cats are natural enemies and that cats prey on rodents, adding, “So we should promote more cats.”The bench referred to a December 29, 2025 report in the Times of India titled “On the roof of the world, feral dogs hunt down Ladakh’s rare species” and asked lawyers to study it ahead of the next hearing.The hearing will continue on Friday.(With PTI inputs)
