The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of increasing incidents of stray dog attacks and road accidents caused by stray animals, directing multiple authorities to respond. The Court was dealing with alarming reports highlighting frequent dog bite cases and accidents across the State. Observing that public safety was under threat, the Court noted that underreporting of such incidents cannot justify administrative inaction.
The matter arose after the High Court came across multiple newspaper reports, published in Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Bhaskar, and Dainik Navjyoti, detailing recent dog bite incidents in various parts of Rajasthan. The bench took serious note of the data published by the Press Information Bureau, sourced from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, which recorded a steep rise in dog bite cases between 2022 and 2025.
The Court also referred to previous official data released by the Rajasthan Government in 2018, which documented over 185 deaths in that year alone due to accidents caused by stray animals. However, the Court noted that the State has failed to publish consolidated data on such incidents in the years that followed, despite clear evidence that the situation has worsened.
Appearing for the State and local authorities, Shri Ayush Gehlot (on behalf of the Additional Advocate General) submitted that local bodies have been conducting drives to address the stray animal menace. However, he pointed out that municipal staff often face resistance and even physical attacks from animal lovers during such operations.
He further informed the Court about the drafting of the Rajasthan Road Safety Bill, 2022, which includes provisions to control stray animal-related incidents. He sought time to confirm whether the Bill had since been enacted.
Expressing deep concern over the growing threat posed by stray animals on public roads, the Court stated, “We cannot allow our city roads, state highways, and national highways to remain unsafe due to the public menace created by stray animals, including dogs and cows. This is not only a threat to human lives but also compromises animal safety.”
The Bench noted that although accidents and injuries due to stray animals are frequently reported, the actual figures remain underreported. This, the Court suggested, is a deliberate attempt to shield the inaction of municipal corporations and local authorities. The Court also observed, “The problem needs immediate attention. While dogs and cows are often cared for out of personal or religious affection, a failure to control their population or abandonment of pets has resulted in serious public hazards.”
Taking suo motu cognizance, the Court issued notices to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, National Highways Authority of India, and several State departments and municipal corporations. Senior Advocate Dr. Sachin Acharya, along with Advocates Ms. Priyanka Borana and Ms. Heli Pathak, were appointed as Amicus Curiae to assist the Court.
The Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority was directed to formalize their appointment and ensure compensation as per applicable rules. The Registry was instructed to present the matter before the Chief Justice for registration as a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL).
The matter is now scheduled to be heard on August 11, 2025, and the respondents are expected to file updates on the steps being taken to address the issue.
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