The Supreme Court of India recently delivered strong remarks against submissions made on behalf of veteran actor Sharmila Tagore concerning the management of stray dogs, particularly regarding their presence in hospitals. During a hearing on Friday, January 9, 2026, the apex court described the arguments as "completely removed from reality" and rebuked attempts to "glorify" stray animals in sensitive public health environments. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, expressed serious concerns about hygiene and patient safety. When Tagore's counsel cited the example of a friendly dog named "Goldie" reportedly living at AIIMS for years to argue that not all strays pose a threat, Justice Mehta questioned whether such dogs were also allowed into operation theaters and warned of the "disastrous consequences" of ticks in hospitals. Furthermore, the court dismissed a proposal for introducing colour-coded collars to identify dogs with a biting history, a practice reportedly followed in countries like Georgia and Armenia. The judges questioned the feasibility of such a system in India, citing the vast differences in population size and ground realities. The Supreme Court also reiterated its stance that it has not ordered the blanket removal of all stray dogs, but rather emphasized the proper implementation of existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules across the country. The ongoing case also involves discussions on holding states accountable for dog bite incidents and establishing designated feeding zones for strays, aiming to strike a balance between animal welfare and public safety.