The Supreme Court on Thursday resumed hearing a suo motu case on the rising dog bite incidents across India, observing that dogs can sense fear in humans and may attack when they detect it. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria noted from personal experience that human behaviour plays a key role in triggering aggression, cautioning even dog owners that fear can provoke attacks.

The case, filed by both animal lovers and public safety advocates, seeks modification of earlier Supreme Court orders on stray dog management. The court stressed preventive measures, noting fatalities linked to stray animals also include road accidents, and emphasized that sudden removal of dogs could lead to unintended consequences such as rodent population spikes or overcrowded shelters. The bench suggested a balanced approach, even humorously recommending cats as natural rodent controllers, while reiterating that sensitive areas like schools, hospitals, and bus stands should be kept dog-free.