Urban clearance operation mandated by Rajasthan High Court, focusing on relocating roaming canines and various city wildlife from roadways
Rajasthan High Court Orders Removal of Stray Animals from City Roads and Highways
The Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the increasing number of dog bite incidents and the growing threat posed by stray animals on public roads and highways, leading to a significant judicial intervention aimed at balancing public safety concerns with humane treatment of stray animals.
In August 2025, a Division Bench comprising Justices Kuldeep Mathur and Ravi Chirania issued orders for the removal of stray animals, particularly dogs and cows, from city roads and highways 13. The Court was alarmed by the rising figures of dog bite cases in Rajasthan: 88,029 in 2022, 103,533 in 2023, 140,543 in 2024, and 15,062 in just January 2025 alone 2.
The Court directed municipal bodies to conduct special drives for the removal of stray dogs and other animals from city roads, ensuring minimum physical harm during the process 1. National and State Highway authorities were also mandated to conduct regular patrolling to clear stray animals from highways to prevent accidents and ensure safe vehicular movement 1.
Municipal bodies were empowered to take strict action, including lodging FIRs, against individuals obstructing their efforts to remove stray animals 3. Specific instructions were issued to the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation and District Court after AIIMS Jodhpur highlighted the impact of stray dogs on its campus 2.
The municipal corporations have been asked to notify a contact number or email for citizens to lodge complaints about stray animals. The matter is next listed for hearing on September 8.
These orders come amid a broader public health emergency related to stray dog populations across India, which contribute to millions of dog bite cases annually (over 2.2 million reported in 2024 nationally), many leading to rabies fatalities, particularly among children 4. The removal drives are intended to reduce dog bite incidents and traffic accidents caused by stray animals, improving road safety and lowering public health risks 1.
By granting municipal authorities more power to act decisively, the Court’s directions aim to overcome obstacles like public resistance to removal efforts 3. Multiple fatalities due to stray animals have been reported across the State. The Rajasthan High Court has ordered municipal bodies in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur to remove stray dogs and other animals from city roads 6.
The authorities are free to take action, including lodging criminal cases, against those who obstruct the officials during this drive. People who want to feed or take care of animals are expected to do so at shelters maintained by municipalities or private individuals or organizations 7.
Advocates BP Bohra and Vaibhav Bhansali represented the Central government, while Additional Advocate General Rajesh Panwar with Advocate Monal Chugh represented the State and municipalities. Senior Advocate Sachin Acharya, Advocates Priyanka Borana, and Heli Pathak are Amicus Curiae in the case 8.
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