The Supreme Court told authorities to remove stray dogs from “sensitive” areas such as schools, hospitals and marketplaces and asked states to file details of their actions by January 13, 2026. 

A bench hearing petitions on stray-dog management issued directions on jurisdiction, sheltering, feeding points, and sterilisation under existing rules. The order comes amid multiple state-level cases and municipal guidelines on dog bites and animal welfare obligations. 

Implementation will be measured via affidavits due before the set date, after which the matter will be heard again. Municipal corporations in major cities are expected to issue operational circulars to align with the court’s framework before the deadline.