Centre's Big Stray Dog Move: Public Campuses to Be Cleared by June 30

In a significant move aimed at improving public safety while ensuring the humane treatment of animals , the Union Health Ministry has directed all Central ministries and departments to remove stray dogs from key public campuses across the country by June 30, 2026 .

The order applies to high footfall locations such as government hospitals, schools, colleges, railway stations, sports complexes, airports, government offices and other public institutions , where the presence of stray dogs has increasingly become a safety concern. The directive comes against the backdrop of rising incidents of dog bites and growing concerns over the spread of rabies , a disease that continues to claim thousands of lives every year in India.

However, the government has made it clear that the exercise should not involve cruelty or indiscriminate removal of animals. Instead, all stray dogs identified on these campuses must first be sterilized and vaccinated in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 . Once these procedures are completed, the animals are to be relocated to designated animal shelters , rather than being released back into the same public areas.

To ensure the campuses remain free of stray animals after relocation, ministries have been instructed to strengthen preventive measures. These include installing boundary fencing , improving waste management systems , and eliminating food sources that attract stray dogs. The aim is to prevent fresh animal movement into these sensitive public spaces while maintaining cleanliness and safety.

Each ministry has also been asked to appoint a nodal officer to oversee the implementation of the directive. These officers will coordinate with state authorities and local civic bodies to ensure compliance. A state wise progress report detailing the action taken must be submitted to the Union Health Ministry by June 30 .

The urgency behind the directive is underscored by alarming public health figures. India records an estimated 3.7 million dog bite cases every year , while rabies is responsible for nearly 20,000 deaths annually , making the country one of the worst affected globally. Officials believe that managing stray dog populations in busy public spaces is essential to reducing these risks, particularly for children, elderly citizens and patients visiting healthcare facilities.

The latest directive attempts to strike a careful balance between protecting public health and upholding animal welfare laws . Rather than promoting culling or harsh measures, the government has emphasized a structured approach based on vaccination, sterilization, responsible relocation and long term preventive infrastructure , reflecting both safety concerns and compassion towards animals.