Animal Welfare

The Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over the growing threat posed by stray dog attacks across the country, calling the situation a pressing public safety challenge. While acknowledging the need for humane treatment of animals, the bench underscored that uncontrolled stray populations are endangering citizens, particularly children and economically vulnerable groups who often lack access to medical support.

The Supreme Court of India has upheld the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that cleared Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Gujarat, of any legal violations. The SIT's report, submitted on September 12, 2025, concluded that Vantara's operations, including the acquisition of animals, were in full compliance with Indian wildlife laws. This decision comes after public interest litigations raised concerns about the center's practices, particularly regarding the transfer of temple elephants and the sourcing of animals from abroad.

A national conference on developing a sustainable cow-based economy is scheduled to be held in Jaipur next week, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and rural entrepreneurs. The event will explore how traditional livestock practices can be aligned with modern economic strategies to generate employment, enhance rural incomes, and promote sustainable agriculture.

India has released comprehensive guidelines for the establishment and operation of animal blood banks, aiming to enhance veterinary care and support critical treatments for domestic and farm animals. The framework outlines protocols for blood collection, storage, testing, and transfusion, ensuring safety and efficacy across veterinary facilities. By formalizing procedures, the initiative seeks to improve survival rates for animals undergoing surgery, trauma care, or chronic disease management.

In a landmark directive, the Supreme Court has prohibited the feeding of stray dogs on streets and in public places, allowing such activity only in designated zones identified by municipal authorities. The ruling comes amid growing concerns over rising dog-bite cases and public safety. The judgment emphasizes the need to balance compassion for animals with the rights of citizens to live without fear.

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on a plea challenging directives to remove stray dogs from Delhi’s streets, citing concerns over alleged inaction by municipal authorities in managing the city’s stray population. The petitioners argue that abrupt removal orders could lead to cruelty and violate established animal welfare laws, while highlighting the need for sustainable measures such as sterilisation and vaccination. The matter underscores the long-standing tension between public safety, animal rights, and administrative accountability.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced a significant administrative and civic initiative aimed at improving governance efficiency and animal welfare across the capital. The plan includes establishing mini secretariats in each district to streamline public services and enhance administrative accessibility, alongside dedicated cow shelters to promote ethical livestock care. This dual policy approach reflects Gupta’s broader vision of decentralized governance coupled with socially responsible civic planning.

In a rare display of solidarity, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Maneka Gandhi, and Varun Gandhi have collectively voiced strong opposition to a recent Supreme Court directive concerning the management of stray dogs. The order, which has sparked widespread debate over animal rights and public safety, has united these prominent political figures—often divided by party lines—around a common cause.

In a significant move aimed at curbing the growing population of stray dogs across Indian cities, the government has increased financial allocation for sterilisation programs under its animal birth control (ABC) initiative. With urban centres witnessing a surge in dog bite cases and heightened concerns over public health and safety, the enhanced funding is expected to streamline sterilisation efforts through collaboration with local authorities and animal welfare organisations.

The Indian government has expanded its initiative to deploy Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) across rural and remote areas, aiming to improve access to animal healthcare for livestock-dependent communities. These mobile clinics provide essential veterinary services, including disease diagnosis, vaccination, treatment, and artificial insemination, directly at the doorstep of farmers.