Punjab government to remove stray dogs from high footfall public spaces following Supreme Court order

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday (May 22, 2026) said as per the Supreme Court’s directions, stray dogs will be removed from all high footfall public spaces across the State.

The Chief Minister, referring to the directions issued by the Supreme Court on May 19, 2026, said that the Punjab government has already issued necessary directions to ensure strict compliance with the orders across the state. “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,” he said.

He said that the government will create and maintain an adequate number of dog shelters where stray dogs can be properly cared for, asserting the government is committed to addressing the issue in a humane and legally compliant manner while simultaneously safeguarding public safety.

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

Pointing out that the move will provide major relief to people across Punjab, as the growing stray dog menace has emerged as a grave threat to human life, he said incidents involving stray dog attacks have caused widespread concern among citizens, making it necessary for the government to act decisively on the issue.

In his post on ‘X’, Mr. Mann said the government will strictly follow in letter and spirit the Supreme Court order. As per the SC orders, stray dogs will be removed from all high footfall public spaces so that children, senior citizens and families can move freely without fearing for their safety.