Centre Issues Nationwide Directive to Remove Stray Dogs From Government Institutions

In the latest development, the Central Government has directed all ministries and departments to ensure that stray dogs are removed from their campuses by June 30, 2026, as part of a nationwide effort to improve public safety.

The order follows directions issued by the Supreme Court and applies to public institutions such as hospitals, schools, railway stations, sports complexes and government offices.
The move aims to reduce the risk of dog attacks in places that are visited daily by children, patients, commuters and senior citizens.

Ministries Asked to Take Immediate Action

Under the new directive, every ministry has been instructed to implement measures that prevent stray dogs from entering government premises.

Authorities have been asked to install proper boundary walls or fencing wherever necessary. They have also been told to improve waste management, as food waste and open garbage often attract stray animals.

Each campus must appoint a nodal officer whose contact details should be displayed prominently so that any stray dog sighting can be reported and addressed quickly.
The government has asked all ministries to submit proof of compliance by June 30.

Special Instructions for Hospitals, Schools and Railway Stations

The advisory includes specific guidelines for different public institutions.
Hospitals have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and ensure immediate treatment facilities are available in case of dog bite incidents.
Schools have been asked to organise awareness sessions for students on dog safety and basic first aid so that children know how to respond if they encounter stray animals.

Railway stations and sports complexes have been instructed to deploy additional staff to monitor and prevent stray dogs from entering crowded public areas.

The Ministry of Health will collect compliance reports from all ministries and prepare a consolidated report for submission to the Supreme Court by August.

Supreme Court Order Led to Nationwide Action

The government's directive follows a series of Supreme Court orders passed in 2025 after the court took suo motu cognisance of rising dog bite incidents across the country.

Initially, the court ordered the removal of stray dogs from Delhi and the National Capital Region. Later, it expanded the scope of the case and applied the directions across India.
In November 2025, the Supreme Court specifically focused on institutional areas such as schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations and sports complexes.

The court observed that these places are frequently used by vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people and patients, making public safety a priority.

Dogs Cannot Be Released Back Into Institutional Areas

Under the Supreme Court's directions, stray dogs found inside institutional premises must be captured, sterilised and vaccinated under the existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.

However, unlike stray dogs found on public streets, those removed from institutional campuses cannot be released back into the same premises after treatment.
Instead, they must be shifted to designated shelters where they can be cared for without posing a risk to people using public facilities.

The court also directed the Animal Welfare Board of India to prepare detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering shelter management, vaccination records and staffing requirements.

Jaypee Greens Incident Renewed Public Debate

The issue gained nationwide attention after multiple stray dog incidents were reported from the Jaypee Greens residential township in Greater Noida earlier this year.
In February 2026, CCTV footage showing a pack of stray dogs chasing a woman inside the township went viral on social media, raising concerns about resident safety.

Another incident in May involved a 63-year-old Delhi University professor who reportedly suffered serious injuries after being chased by several stray dogs and falling while trying to escape.

Residents later staged protests, claiming they had repeatedly raised concerns about the growing stray dog population without adequate action.
The incidents became a major example in the wider debate over balancing animal welfare with public safety.

Focus on Safer Public Spaces

The Centre's latest directive is aimed at ensuring that essential public spaces remain safe while following existing animal welfare rules.

Officials say the objective is not only to remove stray dogs from sensitive locations but also to improve waste management, strengthen monitoring systems and ensure proper rehabilitation through shelters.

With ministries now working against the June 30 deadline, the government hopes the new measures will reduce dog bite incidents and improve safety across schools, hospitals, railway stations and other public institutions.