Punjab’s Policy for Dealing with Dangerous Dogs

June 3, 2026

In recent times, the Supreme Court has repeatedly addressed the growing menace of stray dogs, a matter of significant concern for a civilized society. While there has been an unwarranted surge in the overall stray dog population over the past few years, a recent survey has revealed a specific and alarming increase in the number of ferocious dogs. Seizing any opportunity, these dogs attack children and the elderly, pushing them to the brink of death.

Consequently, the Supreme Court had granted permission to cull dogs that prove to be dangerous. In compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive, the Punjab government has formulated a comprehensive strategy. As a primary step, a survey is currently being conducted in sensitive areas where these ferocious dogs have been sighted. This initiative encompasses an assessment of the stray dog population, identification of dog-feeding points, sterilization programs for dogs, and the formulation of a policy to provide anti-rabies vaccinations to the general public in cases of dog bites. Under this policy, a draft proposal is being circulated to local civic bodies, outlining a decision to tackle the dog menace in a time-bound manner.

A timeframe of three weeks has been allotted for this purpose. Punjab is set to launch a massive campaign. Directives have been issued to all municipal corporations and councils to ensure that dogs are strictly barred from entering— and are instead removed from—all hospitals, bus stands, schools, parks, sports complexes, markets, and other sensitive, hightraffic public areas; this removal strategy is designed to achieve multiple objectives.

The Punjab government has undertaken this urgent action in response to the alarming statistics: in 2025, the state recorded 335,000 cases of dog bites, and in 2026—thus far—over 137,000 people have already fallen victim to dog bites. Although the Supreme Court has authorized the culling of highly ferocious dogs, the immediate decision is to prioritize their large-scale sterilization and the establishment of shelter homes. Furthermore, the policy now stipulates that strict cognizance will be taken of any inaction or dereliction of duty by officials who fail to properly execute the tasks of removing or culling dogs, or who fail to constitute the requisite task forces; disciplinary action will be initiated against such officials