The Supreme Court will hear India’s long-standing stray dog management case on Friday, November 7. The issue, often described as a daily concern, deals with the country’s ongoing stray dog crisis.
The case focuses on public safety, animal rights, and urban stray management policies. In earlier hearings, the court questioned several states and civic bodies for failing to implement effective stray dog control measures.
The court has indicated that its order will include directions on feeding and handling stray dogs, especially in government and institutional premises.
The upcoming ruling is expected to outline clear guidelines for:
• Stray dog population control
• Safe coexistence with communities
• Enforcement of vaccination, sterilisation, and adoption programs
• Responsibilities of local authorities and animal welfare groups
India has a large stray dog population, and this verdict could shape the country’s future policies on animal welfare and public safety.
As per the India Statistics 2025 report, the estimated stray dog population by state is as follows:
- Uttar Pradesh – 15 lakh
- Maharashtra – 12 lakh
- West Bengal – 10 lakh
- Bihar – 9.5 lakh
- Rajasthan – 9 lakh
- Madhya Pradesh – 8.5 lakh
- Tamil Nadu – 8 lakh
- Gujarat – 7.8 lakh
- Andhra Pradesh – 7 lakh
- Karnataka – 6.8 lakh
- Delhi (NCT) – 6.5 lakh
- Odisha – 5.5 lakh
- Telangana – 5.3 lakh
- Kerala – 4.8 lakh
- Punjab – 4.5 lakh
The total estimated number of stray dogs in India in 2025 is around 1.9 to 2 crore.
