The Supreme Court of India, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, continued its extensive hearings on the multifaceted issue of stray dogs across the country on January 8, 2026, as part of its ongoing proceedings. The court observed that dogs possess the ability to sense fear in humans, potentially making individuals who are afraid or have previously been bitten more susceptible to attacks. This observation was made amidst intense debates concerning public safety and animal welfare. The bench clarified that its previous directives were not for the blanket removal of all stray dogs, but specifically targeted their relocation from institutional premises like schools, hospitals, and railway stations, in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. During the proceedings, senior advocates presented various arguments, highlighting the persistent failure of municipal authorities nationwide to effectively implement the ABC Rules, which mandate sterilization, vaccination, and re-release. Concerns were also raised by animal activists who argued that abrupt removal of canines could lead to an increase in rodent populations, posing other public health risks. In a lighter vein, Justice Mehta suggested promoting cats to control rodents. Furthermore, a law center from Delhi University advocated for empowering educational institutions to establish their own 'animal cells' for stray dog management, reducing reliance on often ineffective municipal bodies. The court also acknowledged the massive financial implications of comprehensive stray dog control, with estimates presented ranging from thousands of crores to as high as Rs 27,000 crore for nationwide implementation. The hearings remained inconclusive and were scheduled to continue on January 9, 2026.