In a sweeping move triggered by the latest Supreme Court directive, the Maharashtra government has issued a fresh Government Resolution (GR) instructing all civic bodies across the state to immediately clear stray dogs from key public spaces, including schools, hospitals, bus depots, railway stations and sports complexes.

The GR, issued on Monday, lays down a strict action plan for municipal corporations, councils and nagar panchayats. Under the new rules, local bodies must capture stray dogs, sterilise them, vaccinate them, and relocate them to designated shelters. Crucially, the animals cannot be released back to the same public areas after the procedure — a shift from the earlier practice that often saw dogs being returned to their original locations.

In an attempt to regulate community feeding practices, the resolution directs every civic body to set up clearly demarcated feeding zones. Anyone feeding stray dogs outside these approved spots will face action, the government has warned.

To make enforcement smoother and more accountable, the GR mandates that all local bodies operate a dedicated helpline where citizens can report stray dog–related concerns. These grievances will be monitored at the state level, with a state coordinator based in Navi Mumbai appointed specifically to ensure compliance with the new rules.

Given rising concerns over dog-bite incidents, the order also instructs all hospitals to maintain ample stock of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins. The resolution warns that officials who fail to follow these instructions may be held personally accountable.

The state’s move follows the Supreme Court’s suo motu ruling dated November 7, in which the court ordered the “forthwith” removal of stray dogs from public premises and emphasised that the process must adhere strictly to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, including sterilisation, vaccination and relocation.