Maneka Gandhi, an animal rights advocate and leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has called for the establishment of well-functioning Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres. This demand follows the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that declined to modify its order from November 2025, which instructed the removal of stray dogs from public institutions.

In a statement to the media, Gandhi noted that the Supreme Court has indicated it will no longer hear grievances concerning this issue, advising individuals to approach their respective High Courts for redress. She expressed uncertainty regarding whether citizens would take action by filing petitions across 36 different High Courts throughout the country.

Supreme Court’s Directives on Stray Dogs

On November 7, 2025, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court issued a verdict addressing the increasing incidence of dog bites. The court mandated that all states and Union Territories (UTs) ensure the removal of stray dogs from various public spaces, including educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stations, and railway stations.

Gandhi highlighted that the five directives outlined in this ruling have yet to be put into action. These directives included removing stray dogs from schools and hospitals and establishing shelters for them. She emphasised that no governmental or local authorities have fulfilled these commitments, which were designed to safeguard public safety while also addressing the needs of the animals.

In her remarks, Gandhi asserted that effective ABC centres could potentially alleviate the problem of stray dog attacks. She asserted that sterilised dogs pose no risk of biting, provided that proper measures are adopted for their care and management.

Concerns Surrounding Existing Animal Care Practices

Gandhi raised concerns about the quality of the current ABC facilities, stating that many are poorly maintained. She alleged that the contracts for these centres are often awarded to acquaintances or relatives of officials, leading to inadequate care for the animals involved. According to her, it is crucial to ensure that these facilities are well-operated and staffed by individuals who genuinely regard the welfare of the animals.

Her demand for the establishment of high-quality ABC centres underscores the necessity of responsible management practices to prevent future incidents of dog attacks. She reiterated that well-managed ABC centres could lead to a safer environment, asserting, “A dog that has already undergone sterilisation surgery will never bite anyone.”

Meanwhile, animal rights activist Gauri Mulekhi described the Supreme Court’s ruling as a “balanced” approach, highlighting its focus on promoting animal birth control regulations. According to her, this decision places significant emphasis on the need for ABC centres staffed by qualified personnel in each district.

Mulekhi confirmed that the court has directed the establishment of an ABC centre in every district, stipulating that trained veterinarians and staff must be present. The court has also mandated that compliance reports be submitted to both the High Court and the Supreme Court to monitor adherence to these regulations, thereby aiming to enhance animal welfare throughout the nation.

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