Stray dog euthanasia: Bengaluru civic bodies to have separate committees
Now, while a feral dog is considered an aggressive dog, there are no guidelines for the level of aggression at which the commission can declare a dog should be euthanized, according to GBA sources. | Photo credit: File photo
With the Supreme Court allowing municipal authorities to take legally permissible measures, including euthanasia, in cases involving “rabid, terminally ill or demonstrably dangerous or aggressive dogs”, Bengali corporations are at a loss as to how to interpret it.
In its order, the Supreme Court clearly emphasized that the concerned authorities must carry out euthanasia only after proper assessment by qualified veterinary experts and strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Animal Fertility Control Rules, 2023 and other applicable statutory protocols.
To this end, all corporations will now also have their own committees to review and decide on a euthanasia request.
Previously, euthanasia was possible under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules, which had clear rules stating that if a stray dog was terminally injured or terminally ill, it could be euthanized.
The erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) also had a three-member committee on euthanasia of stray dogs to review these recommendations and decide whether euthanasia should be allowed. The committee consisted of the concerned Veterinary Officer (BBMP Veterinarian), the Project Manager for the Animal Birth Control and Rabies Vaccination Program and a representative from the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board.
“The committee would seek reports on the dog’s health, perform a physical check and assess its condition, which would clearly determine whether the dog could be put down,” a GBA source explained.
Now, while a feral dog is considered an aggressive dog, there are no guidelines for the level of aggression at which the commission can declare a dog should be euthanized, according to GBA sources.
Abuse of provisions
Arun Prasad, an animal rights activist, pointed out that this gray area could allow civic body officials to exploit the law and lead to unnecessary killing of stray dogs. “We already have many cases of mistreatment of stray dogs and this provision will only lead to similar incidents,” he warned.
However, the GBA official explained that the decision will still be up to the committees, which will ensure transparency.
Review the petition
Nevina Kamath, co-petitioner in SLP(C) 691 of 2009, told The Hindu that they plan to file a revision petition or contempt petition arguing that the earlier order was violated by the recent order.
“The earlier order in SLP(C) 691 was fair, upheld all constitutional guarantees and was detailed. The new order is contrary to and interferes with the earlier order,” she said.
She explained that some dogs with neurological conditions can sometimes exhibit erratic behavior that mimics the symptoms of rabies. With the new order, such cases could be misinterpreted as aggressive behavior or rabies.
Published – 20 May 2026 20:35 IST