Supreme Court takes Suo Motu Cognisance of rising stray dog attacks, terms situation “Alarming”

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of a disturbing news report highlighting a sharp rise in stray dog attacks across urban and semi-urban areas, resulting in multiple fatalities, especially among young children and the elderly.

A bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala expressed deep concern over the “alarming and disturbing facts” presented in the report, which detailed a string of recent fatal dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths.

Taking note of the growing public health threat, Justice Pardiwala emphasized the urgent need for judicial intervention, underlining the heightened risk faced by vulnerable sections of society, such as infants and senior citizens.

In response, the Court directed the Registry to register the issue as a suo motu writ petition and place the matter, along with the news report, before the Chief Justice of India for further directions and appropriate orders.

The move marks a significant judicial step towards addressing what the Court has identified as a pressing and potentially deadly public safety crisis.