'Will Implement Supreme Court Order In Letter And Spirit': Bhagwant Mann Defends Punjab’s Stray Dog Crackdown Amid Nationwide Debate

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has doubled down on his government’s aggressive action plan against dangerous stray dogs despite mounting criticism from opposition leaders and animal welfare groups. Mann said the state would strictly enforce the recent Supreme Court ruling on stray dog management to protect public safety, particularly in crowded urban areas.

The renewed controversy erupted after the Punjab government announced a statewide campaign targeting what it described as “stray and killer dogs” following the apex court’s observations on increasing dog attack incidents across the country.

Defending the move, Mann said the government would act fully in accordance with the Supreme Court’s May 19 ruling and ensure implementation “in letter and spirit.” He stressed that children, elderly citizens, and pedestrians should be able to move safely in public spaces without fear of attacks.

Under the new plan, stray dogs are expected to be removed from sensitive and high-footfall zones such as schools, hospitals, residential colonies, and marketplaces. The state government has also proposed expanding shelter infrastructure to house stray animals relocated during the drive.

In a statement posted on social media, Mann said Punjab would launch a major campaign to tackle the growing threat posed by aggressive stray dogs and thanked the Supreme Court for prioritising public safety in its ruling.

The state administration later clarified that euthanasia would only be permitted in legally defined cases involving rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous animals. Officials said all actions would remain within the framework of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Animal Birth Control Rules.

The Supreme Court, while hearing petitions related to stray dog management, had recently underlined that citizens have a constitutional right to live without fear of animal attacks. The bench observed that when human life and public safety are weighed against animal welfare concerns, protection of human life must remain paramount.

The court had also refused to modify its earlier directions regarding the removal of stray dogs from institutional zones and sensitive public areas.

Punjab’s decision has triggered sharp political reactions and divided public opinion. While many residents welcomed stronger measures to control dog attacks, animal welfare activists warned against misuse of legal provisions and demanded tighter monitoring of implementation at the ground level.

The latest move also comes months after Punjab launched pilot projects for organised stray dog shelters and relocation facilities in cities including Ludhiana as part of broader urban animal management efforts.