Stray Dogs

This special report focuses on the Supreme Court's hearing on the escalating stray dog menace in India, where a special bench including Justice Vikramnath expressed severe dissatisfaction with state governments. The court observed that, 'country is being shown as bad in other countries.' Following up on its August 22 order which mandated the sterilization and kenneling of stray dogs, the apex court noted that almost no states had filed the required compliance reports after eight weeks. The only exceptions mentioned were the MCD, and the governments of West Bengal and Telangana. In a significant move, the court has now summoned the chief secretaries of all non-compliant states and union territories to be personally present to explain the delay, warning that coercive measures could be imposed.

A shocking incident in Ranchi’s Doranda area was caught on CCTV when a girl feeding a stray dog was suddenly attacked by it along with other dogs. The girl, who fed the dogs daily, was injured and rushed to hospital for treatment. Hearing her screams, family members rushed out and managed to rescue her. The municipal corporation later rescued the dog involved.

This hard-hitting documentary investigates India’s darkest reality—dogs beaten in boarding facilities, strays thrown off buildings, pets blinded and tortured, and shocking cases of sexual assault against animals.

A shocking incident of misogyny from a Chennai police officer has been caught on camera, sparking massive outrage. During an altercation with women who were feeding stray dogs, the cop stated that girls face harassment because they are out after midnight. A video captures the officer saying, “...if you are out, then it is your responsibility and you will be harassed.” This statement has drawn widespread condemnation for victim-shaming. The police have since attempted to defend the remark, claiming the word used was 'arrest' and not 'harassment,' an explanation that has been met with skepticism. The incident raises serious questions about the mindset within the police force and their capacity to ensure the safety and protection of women, as their duty is to prevent crime, not to blame citizens.

Every day, 10,000 Indians are bitten by dogs. Some live with scars, some don’t survive.

Stray dogs chasing vehicles isn’t random, many have seen pups run over by bikes and cars, triggering defensive aggression. Experts cite hunger, abuse, and even rare neurological disorders behind rising bite cases.

Following a Supreme Court ruling on stray dogs, a series of horrifying attacks has been reported across India. In Kanpur, a student suffered severe facial injuries requiring 17 stitches after being mauled. Another incident in Madhya Pradesh saw a ten-year-old girl attacked after falling into a pit while fleeing dogs. In Pune, CCTV footage captured a man defending himself with a bike against seven dogs. The situation has also led to protests, such as one outside a Rohini sterilization center in Delhi where volunteers claimed dogs were being killed inside. A protestor stated, "The biggest thing is that it is now clear that the Delhi government was exactly preparing for dog meat." These events intensify the debate on managing the stray dog population after the court highlighted they can be freed post-sterilization.

In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a BBA student was subjected to a horrific attack by stray dogs while returning home from college. The assault resulted in severe facial injuries, including wounds to her nose and face, requiring 17 stitches. Neighbours intervened to rescue her from the group of dogs. Following the incident, doctors have advised that the student will need to undergo surgery. Her family has expressed deep distress and is calling for action to control the local stray dog problem. One family member made a plea for government assistance with the student's medical treatment, stating, "We just want the government to get our daughter treated." The attack has caused anger among residents, who are demanding that authorities take strict action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The big talking point of this edition of News Today is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to West Bengal and Bihar, where he addressed issues of illegal immigration and corruption.

In Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's singing of the RSS anthem in the Vidhana Soudha generated political debate, prompting his clarification.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated three new metro links in Kolkata, a significant infrastructure development for the city.

The Supreme Court has reshaped Delhi-NCR’s stray dog policy.

The Supreme Court has modified its earlier order on stray dogs, directing that all dogs picked up must be sterilised, immunised, and then released back into their original areas.

The Supreme Court has modified its 11th August order concerning the management of stray dogs, citing infrastructural challenges. The court noted that a blanket direction to impound all stray dogs could lead to a "catch-22 situation" due to a lack of resources such as shelters, manpower, and veterinarians. Under the modified directive, stray dogs are to be sterilised, vaccinated, deformed and then released back into the areas from where they were picked up. This order does not apply to dogs that are rabid or exhibit aggressive behaviour; such animals will be kept in shelters. To fund the creation of necessary infrastructure, the court has ordered individual petitioners to deposit Rs 25,000 and NGOs to deposit Rs 2 lakh each, failing which they cannot appear in the matter. The court also stated that anyone obstructing public servants from implementing these directions will face prosecution.

The Supreme Court has modified its earlier order concerning stray dogs, issuing a pan-India directive. The court has ordered that all stray dogs must be sterilized, immunized, and then released back into the areas from where they were picked up. However, an exception has been made for dogs identified as aggressive or rabid; these animals will be kept in separate shelters and not released. A significant part of the ruling is the ban on feeding stray dogs in public places. Feeding will only be permitted in designated zones to be identified by municipal authorities. The court also encouraged the adoption of strays. One person expressed concern, stating, “how can you judge which dog will bite and which dog won't bite?” The order has received mixed reactions, with some calling it balanced while others are worried about implementation, particularly the definition of an "aggressive" dog and the lack of adequate shelters.

Was the attack on Delhi’s Chief Minister over the Supreme Court stray dog verdict?

A man attacked Delhi's Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, at her residence during a 'jansunwai' (public hearing). The accused, identified as Rajesh Sakariya from Gujarat, has been charged with attempt to murder.

India Today has accessed exclusive CCTV footage showing the moments before an attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The footage reveals a 41-year-old man from Rajkot conducting a recce of the Chief Minister's movements for 24 hours. He was seen outside her personal residence in Shalimar Bagh and her camp office in Civil Lines, where the attack occurred. The incident has raised serious questions about the breach of the Chief Minister's Z+ security. The attacker is in police custody, and an investigation is underway to determine the motive. His mother claims he is mentally unstable and was angry over a Supreme Court order on stray dogs. Investigators are probing if he acted alone or was part of a larger conspiracy, with a key question being, "Was he doing on his own or is there a bigger picture involved?" The police are examining his call records and connections in Delhi.

The big talking point of this episode of News Today is Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's vote 'chori' allegations. 

Menaka Gandhi, an animal rights activist and BJP leader, has appealed to the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai to hear all sides regarding a recent order on stary dogs.