Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann pledges stray dog crackdown, shelters after SC order
Synopsis
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has ordered full compliance with the Supreme Court's 19 May stray dog directive — relocating strays from public spaces, building shelters, and allowing euthanasia for dangerous animals. With attacks rising across the state, this is the most concrete state-level response to the apex court's order so far.
Key Takeaways
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on 22 May announced full compliance with the Supreme Court's stray dog directions issued on 19 May .
Stray dogs will be removed from all high-footfall public spaces including parks, markets, and school zones.
The state will create and maintain an adequate number of dog shelters for relocated animals.
Euthanasia is permitted for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous dogs, strictly under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Animal Birth Control Rules .
Necessary administrative directions have already been issued to all districts for strict compliance.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday, 22 May announced that the state government will implement the Supreme Court's directions on stray dogs in full, committing to remove strays from high-footfall public spaces and establish dedicated shelters — while balancing public safety with humane animal care. The announcement follows a surge in reported stray dog attacks across several parts of Punjab that has alarmed residents, particularly parents and senior citizens.
Background: Supreme Court Directions
The Supreme Court issued its directions on 19 May, prompting state governments to act. CM Mann said Punjab has already issued the necessary administrative orders to ensure strict compliance across all districts. The apex court's order provides the legal framework within which the state intends to operate.
Key Measures Announced
Under the plan, stray dogs will be relocated from all high-footfall areas — including parks, markets, and school zones — so that children, senior citizens, and families can use public spaces without fear. The state government has committed to creating and maintaining an adequate number of dog shelters where relocated animals will receive proper care.
On the question of dangerous animals, Mann confirmed that legally permissible measures, including euthanasia, will be applied strictly in cases involving rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably aggressive dogs that pose a direct threat to human life. He stressed that all such steps will be carried out in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Birth Control Rules.
What the Chief Minister Said
'As per the Supreme Court's directions, stray dogs will be removed from all high footfall public spaces so that children, senior citizens and families can move freely without fear for their safety,' Mann said in a statement. He described the stray dog menace as a 'grave threat to human life,' adding that 'incidents involving stray dog attacks have caused widespread concern among citizens, making it necessary for the state government to act decisively.'
Impact and What Comes Next
The announcement is expected to provide relief to residents in urban and semi-urban Punjab, where stray dog attacks have become a recurring concern. Notably, this is part of a broader national pattern — several states have faced similar pressure following high-profile attack incidents, and the Supreme Court's May directive reflects the issue's escalating urgency at the judicial level.
Implementation will hinge on the speed at which shelter infrastructure is built and the capacity of local bodies to carry out humane relocation. Animal welfare organisations are likely to monitor compliance with the Animal Birth Control Rules closely. The state government has not yet specified a timeline for shelter creation or the number of facilities planned.
Point of View
So the state cannot be accused of acting unilaterally. But the real accountability gap lies in implementation: Punjab has not disclosed how many shelters will be built, at what cost, or on what timeline. Animal Birth Control infrastructure across Indian states has historically been underfunded and poorly monitored. Without those specifics, this risks being another press-statement response to a recurring crisis. The euthanasia provision, while legally permissible, will attract scrutiny from animal welfare groups — how 'demonstrably dangerous' is defined and verified in practice will be the flashpoint to watch.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announce about stray dogs?
CM Bhagwant Mann announced on 22 May that Punjab will fully implement the Supreme Court's directions on stray dogs, removing them from high-footfall public areas, building dedicated shelters, and applying euthanasia for rabid or dangerous animals where legally permitted.
What did the Supreme Court direct regarding stray dogs?
The Supreme Court issued directions on 19 May regarding the management of stray dogs, requiring state governments to ensure public safety while maintaining humane care for animals. Punjab has since issued compliance orders to all districts.
Will stray dogs be killed under the new Punjab policy?
Euthanasia is permitted only in specific, legally defined cases — for dogs that are rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably aggressive and pose a direct threat to human life. All such measures must comply with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Birth Control Rules.
Who is most affected by the stray dog menace in Punjab?
Children, senior citizens, and families using public parks, markets, and open spaces have been most affected by rising stray dog attacks. CM Mann specifically cited their right to move freely without fear as the central reason for the government's action.
What shelters will Punjab create for relocated stray dogs?
The Punjab government has committed to creating and maintaining an adequate number of dog shelters where relocated stray dogs will receive proper care, though specific numbers, locations, and timelines have not yet been announced.
