In a significant development concerning animal welfare and municipal action, the Telangana High Court has issued a conditional stay on the ongoing drive to capture stray dogs in Hyderabad. The interim order was passed on Wednesday, January 9, 2026, by a bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti.
The Court's Directive and Conditions
The bench was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate B Rachana Reddy, who challenged the methods employed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in its stray dog control operations. The petitioner argued that the capture methods were inhumane and violated the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The High Court, while putting a stay on the capture process, laid down specific conditions that the civic body must follow if it wishes to resume the drive. The court directed the GHMC to ensure that any future capture of stray dogs is conducted strictly in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. Furthermore, the municipal corporation must file a detailed counter-affidavit explaining its current procedures and compliance with the law.
Background of the Controversy
The PIL brought to light alleged instances of cruelty during the dog capture drives undertaken by the GHMC. The petitioner contended that the methods used were not only brutal but also counterproductive, as they did not align with the scientifically endorsed ABC program, which involves sterilization and vaccination before releasing the animals back to their original locations.
This legal intervention comes amid rising public concern in Hyderabad over the management of the stray dog population and the need to balance community safety with humane animal treatment. The court's order effectively pauses the civic body's actions until it can demonstrate a lawful and compassionate protocol.
Implications and Next Steps
The conditional stay imposes immediate accountability on the GHMC. The corporation is now required to present its stance and operational details before the judiciary. This move is seen as a reinforcement of legal safeguards for animals and a check on administrative overreach.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for four weeks from January 9, 2026. Until then, the capture of stray dogs in Hyderabad remains halted unless the GHMC can prove its actions are fully compliant with the stipulated rules. The order emphasizes that the welfare of animals cannot be sidelined in the name of civic administration.
This ruling is expected to set a precedent for how municipal corporations across Telangana, and potentially other states, conduct stray animal management programs. It underscores the necessity for a methodical approach that prioritizes both humane treatment and effective population control.
