Animal rescuers, feeders and welfare activists across Bengaluru have reported a sharp rise in harassment, threats and demands for the removal of community dogs following recent Supreme Court observations on stray dog management.

The concerns emerged after the Supreme Court, in its May 19 order, declined to modify its November 2025 directions regarding stray dogs. The court stated that dogs picked up from sensitive public locations such as hospitals, schools, railway stations and bus depots should not be released back into the same areas after sterilisation or vaccination. It also allowed legally permissible action against rabid or demonstrably aggressive dogs while directing authorities to strengthen shelter facilities and Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes.

Activists allege misuse of court order

Animal welfare groups claim many residents are misinterpreting the order and using it to demand the removal of even friendly community dogs from streets and residential areas.

According to rescuers, feeders are increasingly being photographed while feeding dogs, threatened with complaints to civic authorities and accused of encouraging the presence of stray animals.

Lakshmi Swaminathan, founder of Mylos Rescue, said many residents now label dogs as aggressive and seek their relocation, even when there is no evidence of harmful behaviour.

Calls for relocation rise sharply

Animal shelters and welfare organisations report a significant increase in requests to remove community dogs from neighbourhoods.

Vikash A Bafna of Friend For Animals Trust said the organisation now receives dozens of calls daily from residents and concerned feeders seeking relocation of dogs, including those known to be friendly.

Activists have also raised concerns over a reported rise in the abandonment of pet and community dogs, with some owners allegedly leaving animals on roads in the belief that authorities or shelters will take responsibility for them.

Need for awareness and humane solutions

Animal welfare advocates emphasise that long-term management of stray dog populations depends on effective sterilisation, vaccination and proper implementation of ABC programmes rather than indiscriminate relocation.

They have urged civic authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns explaining the actual scope of the Supreme Court order and preventing its misuse against community animals and those who care for them