The Supreme Court has framed new rules to regulate the handling of stray dogs, particularly those identified as rabid (mad) or violent. According to the directive, sterilized, dewormed, and vaccinated stray dogs must be released back into their original areas. However, dogs found to be rabid or dangerously aggressive will not be released.

Identifying Rabid Dogs

In India, the process of identifying rabid dogs is carried out under statutory provisions, municipal rules, and local administrative guidelines. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules allow authorities to capture and isolate dogs suspected of rabies, either based on official findings or public complaints.

Veterinary experts and trained officials look for certain signs, such as:

• Sudden and unexplained aggression

• Change in voice or difficulty barking

• Excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth

• Staggering or abnormal walking

• Disorientation or failure to recognize surroundings

• Loose jaw and blank eyes

Examination Procedure

If a dog shows symptoms of rabies, a special examination panel is set up. This includes a government-appointed veterinarian and a representative from an animal welfare organization. Such dogs are kept in isolation for about 10 days of monitoring. In most cases, rabies-infected dogs die naturally within this period.

Definition of Violent Dogs

The Supreme Court has also introduced a new category of “violent dogs”, which was not part of the earlier ABC Rules. Dogs that are:

• Repeatedly involved in biting incidents, or

• Show continuous aggression beyond normal behavior,

will be classified as violent. Only dogs displaying such abnormal and threatening attack patterns will be considered truly aggressive.

No Interference Allowed

The Court has further clarified that no individual or organization can interfere in the work of officials carrying out these duties. This ensures that the process of identifying, isolating, and handling rabid or violent dogs can continue without disruption.