Supreme Court Summons Chief Secretaries Over Stray-Dog Compliance
The Supreme Court of India has directed the chief secretaries of most states and union territories to appear in person on November 3, 2025, for failing to file compliance affidavits in the nationwide stray-dogs management case. Only West Bengal and Telangana had submitted the required affidavits by the deadline.
Compliance Deficit
The Court expressed dissatisfaction that despite its August 22 directives to implement the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023 and submit status reports, the vast majority of states and UTs did not respond. It rejected a plea from the Solicitor General to allow virtual appearances, insisting on physical attendance.
Oversight and Next Steps
The matter is part of a larger suo-moto case on stray-dog attacks and welfare issues that began after media coverage highlighted escalating bite incidents. The Court has also expanded the case to all states and UTs, and impleaded state animal-husbandry and municipal officials. At the next hearing, the bench is expected to scrutinise responses from each jurisdiction and may issue further nationwide directions on stray-dog management.
