Bengaluru Civic Bodies Start Relocating Stray Dogs After SC Order; Schools & Hospitals Top Priority

The Supreme Court on November 7, 2025, directed all States and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, depots, and railway stations. The Court mandated that these dogs be sterilized and vaccinated before being relocated to designated shelters, and prohibiting their release back into the same areas.

After the order was released, civic authorities across Bengaluru started taking action. According to a report by Deccan Herald, commissioners of the city's major corporations, Central, West, and South Bengaluru, have instructed officials to start implementing the relocation plan while ensuring compliance with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and Supreme Court guidelines.

Priority has been given to sensitive public areas such as schools, colleges, hospitals, railway stations, playgrounds, and government offices, where stray dog encounters are most frequent. Officials have been asked to compile accurate reports that will serve as the foundation for the relocation and sterilisation programme.

Supreme Court's Stray Dog Relocation Order

The Supreme Court of India, on last Friday, instructed all municipal corporations across the country to relocate stray dogs from densely populated public spaces to designated shelters. The Court also stressed that the process must be humane, adhere to animal welfare standards, and ensure that relocated animals are vaccinated, sterilised, and medically examined before transfer.

The Karnataka Animal Welfare Board and local municipal bodies have been asked to supervise the implementation and ensure that no cruelty occurs during the process.

Bengaluru Civic Bodies Begin Relocation Drive

According to a report by Deccan Herald, Bengaluru West City Corporation Commissioner, Dr KV Rajendra, has instructed officials to intensify sterilisation surgeries for stray dogs in line with AWBI protocols. In South Bengaluru, City Corporation Commissioner KN Ramesh has issued similar instructions to field officers.

Public Response and Way Forward

The decision has received mixed reactions from citizens and animal welfare activists. While residents have welcomed the step as a measure to improve public safety, some animal rights groups have expressed concern over the implementation quality and the potential lack of adequate shelter for stray animals.

However, civic officials have said that the process will be transparent and aligned with both legal and ethical standards, as mandated by the Supreme Court. The implementation phase is expected to continue through the next few months.