Court mandates compilation of detailed ward-wise data on stray and pet dogs, stray cattle, and establishment of temporary shelters; non-compliance by local bodies deprecated and penalized
In a suo motu writ petition initiated pursuant to the Supreme Court's directions in the "City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price" case, the Bombay High Court (Division Bench) on October 6, 2026, took serious note of repeated non-compliance by various local authorities in Goa concerning management of stray dogs and stray cattle. The Court underscored the urgency of collecting and submitting comprehensive data on stray dogs, pet dogs, and stray cattle, along with gender and sterilisation details, and reiterated the need for creation of temporary animal shelters.
The writ petition was registered following Supreme Court directives aimed at addressing the increasing menace of stray animals that pose health and safety risks. Despite multiple orders, Panchayat Secretaries, Chief Officers of Municipal Councils, and the Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) have failed to compile and forward the requisite data to the Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services by the prescribed deadlines.
The Court lamented that none of the local bodies had complied with the September 10, 2026 order requiring the collection of data by October 15, 2026, and submission by October 22, 2026. It sternly warned that if compliance was not achieved by the next hearing date, contempt proceedings would be initiated against the defaulting officials.
Further, the Court noted the absence of evidence regarding door-to-door campaigns for sterilisation of pet dogs and awareness initiatives on vaccination, immunisation, deworming, waste management, responsible feeding, and adoption of stray animals. It directed that separate data on domesticated dogs and stray cattle be compiled and submitted promptly.
On the issue of temporary shelters, the Court emphasized prior directions for municipalities to identify existing shelters or establish new ones on a war footing. The failure to comply was strongly deprecated, with the Court insisting on strict adherence by the next hearing.
The Court also criticized the Chief Officer of Quepem Municipal Council for failing to file an affidavit despite repeated orders, demanding its submission within a week along with a detailed explanation for the delay.
The matter was adjourned to October 26, 2026, with the expectation that all local bodies will have complied fully with the Court's directions by then.
This judgment highlights the judiciary's commitment to enforcing animal welfare laws and ensuring local governance bodies fulfill their statutory responsibilities, balancing human safety with the humane treatment of animals.
Bottom Line:
Suo motu writ petition concerning compliance with Supreme Court directions on stray dogs and stray cattle in Goa - Local bodies directed to collect and compile ward-wise data regarding stray dogs, pet dogs and stray cattle, including gender and sterilisation status, and forward the same to Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services by stipulated date - Failure of Panchayat Secretaries, Chief Officers of Municipal Councils and Commissioner of CCP to comply with earlier directions deprecated - Court warned that continued non-compliance may invite contempt proceedings - Directions also reiterated for issuance of public notices and creation of temporary shelters.
Statutory provision(s):
Supreme Court order in SMWP No. 5 of 2025 (Stray Dogs v. State of Goa), Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5 of 2025, Animal Welfare Guidelines under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (implied), Municipal governance rules under relevant State Panchayat and Municipal Acts
