NALSAR's Animal Law Centre had already established a structured long-term framework for humane stray dog management within the campus. | Photo: Wikimedia commons
SC allows NALSAR to continue stray dog programme with legal liability condition
The apex court permitted NALSAR University to continue its stray dog sterilisation and vaccination programme, subject to institutional accountability for bite incidents
A day after the Supreme Court refused to recall its November 2025 order barring the return of stray dogs to high-footfall public spaces, the court made a limited exception for Hyderabad-based NALSAR University of Law, allowing it to continue its campus-based stray dog management programme.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria permitted NALSAR to continue its controlled sterilisation and vaccination initiative as an “experiment”, while maintaining its broader stance prioritising public safety, the Bar and Bench reported.
Also read: Supreme Court allows euthanasia of aggressive stray dogs amid bite cases
The apex court had on Tuesday (May 19) reiterated that stray dogs removed from hospitals, schools, colleges and other crowded public areas cannot be released back into the same locations even after sterilisation or vaccination, citing rising incidents of dog attacks and public safety concerns.
Allowed with conditions
However, NALSAR argued that its Animal Law Centre had already established a structured long-term framework for humane stray dog management within the campus. The university told the court that it had mechanisms for sterilisation, vaccination and sensitisation of students and staff.
While allowing the exemption, the court imposed strict conditions. NALSAR’s Animal Law Centre has been directed to furnish an undertaking before the vice chancellor accepting tortious liability in the event of any dog-bite incident or similar occurrence on campus.
The court clarified that the order should not be viewed as a dilution of its wider approach to stray dog management, but rather as a narrowly tailored exception linked to institutional accountability.
Mandatory undertaking
The Bench also laid down a broader rule for educational institutions and animal welfare groups nationwide, stating that any campus body seeking to maintain or feed stray dogs must formally undertake legal responsibility through an affidavit submitted to the institution head.
The court further warned that failure to ensure compliance could invite action against the head of the institution concerned.
Also read: Why PETA, animal activists are protesting SC order to 'cage' stray dogs
The issue of stray dog management has remained one of the most debated issues across India amid rising dog-bite incidents and ongoing debates balancing public safety with animal welfare concerns.