The Punjab government will remove stray dogs from public spaces with high footprints following a Supreme Court order

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. File | Photo credit: ANI

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday (May 22, 2026) said stray dogs will be removed from all public spaces in the high-footprint state as directed by the Supreme Court.

Referring to the directions issued by the Supreme Court on May 19, 2026, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab government has already issued necessary directions to ensure strict compliance of the orders across the state. “As per the directions of the Supreme Court, stray dogs will be removed from all public spaces with a high footprint so that children, senior citizens and families can move freely without fear of their safety,” he said.

He said the government would establish and maintain a sufficient number of dog shelters where stray dogs could be properly cared for and said the government was committed to dealing with the problem in a humane and legal manner while ensuring public safety.

“Legally permissible measures including euthanasia in cases of rabid, terminally ill or demonstrably dangerous and aggressive dogs threatening human life will be ensured strictly in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and ABC rules,” he added.

Pointing out that this move will bring great relief to the people across Punjab as the growing menace of stray dogs has emerged as a serious threat to human life, he said incidents involving stray dog ​​attacks have created widespread concern among the citizens so it is necessary for the government to act decisively on the issue.

In his post on ‘X’, Mr. Mann said the government would strictly follow the Supreme Court’s order in letter and spirit. According to the SC order, stray dogs will be removed from all public areas so that children, senior citizens and families can move freely without fear of their safety.

Published – 23 May 2026 03:46 IST