Supreme Court Steps In on Stray Dog Menace, Seeks Action on Rabies Fatalities
The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of a news report highlighting the alarming rise in rabies deaths caused by stray dog attacks, particularly affecting young children and the elderly.
The Bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala, referring to the report titled “City Hounded by Strays and Kids Pay Price,” described the contents as “alarming and disturbing.”
The Bench also comprising of Justice R. Mahadevan noted that hundreds of dog bites were being reported from both urban and rural areas, often resulting in fatal rabies infections.
“This is a very alarming news report. It contains facts that are deeply disturbing, hundreds of dog bites, rabies, and the death of young infants and the elderly. Let this be registered as a suo motu matter,” Justice Pardiwala stated while directing that the order be placed before the Chief Justice of India for appropriate orders.
The Court directed the Registry to register the matter as a suo motu writ petition and to tag the news report with the judicial order.
Hearing Date: July 28, 2025
Bench: Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan