Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced that the Punjab government would strictly implement the recent directives issued by the Supreme Court of India regarding the management of stray dogs in public spaces, amid growing concerns across the country over dog bite incidents, rabies risks and public safety.
In a statement shared publicly, Mann said the Punjab government would follow the Supreme Court’s May 19, 2026, order “in letter and spirit.” According to him, the state administration would begin removing stray dogs from high-footfall public areas in order to ensure that children, senior citizens and families can move safely in crowded spaces without fear of attacks or injury.
The Chief Minister stated that the government also plans to establish and maintain an adequate number of dog shelters where relocated stray dogs would be properly cared for. He emphasised that the policy would be implemented in accordance with the legal framework already laid down under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
The announcement came shortly after the Supreme Court directed all states and Union Territories to immediately remove stray dogs from sensitive and crowded public institutions such as schools, hospitals, sports complexes, railway stations and bus depots.
According to the court’s directions, stray dogs picked up from such high-footfall public locations are to be sterilised, vaccinated and shifted to shelters instead of being released back into the same localities after treatment. This marks a significant departure from earlier policy practices under which sterilised and vaccinated dogs were generally released back into their original territories.
The Supreme Court further clarified that euthanasia would be permitted only under limited circumstances, specifically in cases involving confirmed rabid dogs, incurably ill animals or dogs proven to be demonstrably dangerous.
The apex court made the observations while hearing suo motu proceedings concerning the growing number of stray dog attacks and rising public concern regarding rabies and safety in urban areas. During the hearing, the court stressed that public safety must remain a priority, particularly in places frequently accessed by children, elderly citizens and other vulnerable groups.
The court also instructed state authorities to develop sufficient shelter infrastructure for relocated stray dogs and warned that respective High Courts would monitor implementation across different states. Authorities and civic bodies found negligent in carrying out the directives could potentially face legal action.
Punjab had already initiated some earlier measures aimed at controlling stray dog populations through pilot programmes. One such initiative included the launch of a dog sanctuary model in Ludhiana in January 2026.
The latest announcement by Bhagwant Mann has triggered mixed reactions from different sections of society. Several residents, parents and public safety groups welcomed the move, arguing that increasing incidents involving stray dog attacks had created fear and safety concerns in many urban areas.
At the same time, several animal welfare activists and organisations expressed concern regarding the possible misuse or harsh implementation of the policy. Some activists warned that authorities must ensure humane treatment of animals and prevent illegal or excessive actions under the cover of public safety measures.
The issue has once again reignited a broader national debate over how India should balance animal welfare protections with the need to ensure public safety and manage rising stray dog populations in cities and residential areas.
