Case Comment: In Re: City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay Price (Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5 Of 2025, Supreme Court Of India, Order Dated 22 August 2025)
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 15
- 1 min read
Soumya Sylka Sahoo, Ph.D. Research Scholar, (KIIT School of Law) Patia, Bhubaneswar
ABSTRACT
The Supreme Court of India’s decision in In Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price (Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5 of 2025, decided on 22 August 2025) reflects the judiciary’s attempt to balance human safety with animal welfare in in light of rising dog-bite incidents and rabies deaths. In response to the unfortunate death of a six-year-old in Delhi, the Court first mandated the permanent impoundment of stray dogs. This directive, however, was incompatible with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which require sterilization, vaccination, and the return of dogs to their original location. A three-judge Bench modified the order after opposition from animal rights groups and mass culling concerns. The Court upheld the statutory model for sterilization and release, while also establishing exceptions for aggressive and rabid dogs, regulating feeding practices and ensuring compliance across the nation. It also prioritized humans' right to life and recognized statutory and judicial animal dignity rights under Article 21. This case raises important issues regarding the interpretation of statutes, the balance of constitutional principles, the feasibility of judicial directives, and the extent of suo moto jurisdiction. In conclusion, it highlights the conflict between judicial intervention and federal sovereignty, establishing precedent for compassionate yet cautious urban governance.
