🗓️ Updated on November 2025
A recent Supreme Court ruling dated 7 November 2025 has caused confusion across residential complexes and housing societies. Many believe the judgment allows the removal of community dogs or other animals from society premises — this is incorrect.
The verdict clearly focuses only on stray animals in sensitive public locations such as schools, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, highways, and expressways.
➡️ It does NOT grant housing societies the authority to evict or relocate animals living peacefully within their residential compounds.
Animal welfare organisations have also clarified that community animals continue to be protected under existing animal welfare laws.
Can Societies Remove Community Dogs? No. Here’s Why.
If your society has resident community dogs or other animals within the compound, this judgement does not allow you to displace them. Their rights remain safeguarded under:
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The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023
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Existing animal protection guidelines
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Legal precedents protecting feeding, sterilisation, and vaccination
Important Points Every Housing Society Must Remember
✔ The Supreme Court order cannot be used as a justification to remove community animals from residential areas.
✔ Societies should follow humane, lawful practices — sterilisation drives, regular vaccination, and fixed feeding zones as mandated by ABC Rules 2023.
✔ If any resident or committee member cites this judgment to move animals out, the society should verify legality before taking action.
Maintaining clarity prevents conflict. Following humane practices ensures safety for both residents and animals.
Spread Awareness
Share this message in your society groups and local communities so everyone understands what the law actually says — and what it doesn’t.
Regards,
Sr. PI Sudhir Kudalkar
@sudhirkudalkar
As received from forward message from Sir’s post from group , who is actively involved in protecting strays ,working ardently against cruelty and injustice towards animals .
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