The Supreme Court of India is actively addressing the multifaceted issue of stray dogs across the nation, with recent hearings highlighting concerns over public safety and the implementation of animal welfare regulations. A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria is presiding over the matter, with a recent hearing taking place on January 20, 2026. The Court has indicated a stern approach, suggesting it would impose "heavy compensation" on states for dog bite incidents due to their failure to effectively implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. Furthermore, the bench is contemplating fixing accountability and liability on individuals who feed stray dogs in public spaces, questioning why they should not assume responsibility by housing the animals. This comes amid an alarming rise in dog bite cases, with millions reported annually across India. A significant development in the ongoing case involved the Supreme Court's strong criticism of animal rights activist and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi for her public remarks against the Court's orders. The bench deemed her statements prima facie contemptuous, though it refrained from initiating formal proceedings. Gandhi had previously labelled earlier court directives as "impractical" and divisive, arguing they created an "atmosphere of hate". The Court also noted the failure of municipal authorities in managing the stray dog population and implementing the ABC rules. Earlier orders by the Supreme Court have seen modifications; an initial August 11, 2025, directive for permanent sheltering of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR was later modified on August 22, 2025, to allow for the release of sterilized and vaccinated dogs back into their original areas, unless they are aggressive or rabid, aligning with the ABC Rules, 2023. A November 7, 2025, order further mandated the removal of stray dogs from high-footfall public institutions and highways for relocation to designated shelters. The next hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2026, where the Court will hear from the amicus curiae, NHRC, and various states and Union Territories.