CHENNAI: Despite a Supreme Court order issued on November 7, 2025, directing the removal of stray dogs from public spaces such as hospitals and railway stations, the problem persists in several locations, including the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station.
On Friday, multiple stray dogs were seen inside the station premises, barking at each other and creating fear among passengers at the city’s busiest railway terminal. Commuters said the presence of the dogs made it difficult to move around the station freely.
“We are unable to walk peacefully through the station, and the barking of the dogs makes the situation worse. If one of them bites a passenger, the victims will have to bear the consequences themselves,” said Megha, a passenger waiting at the station.
Sources attached to the station said there had been instances of passengers being bitten by stray dogs in the past.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed civic authorities to ensure that stray dogs were removed from sensitive spaces to prevent risks to public safety, but nothing appears to have been done
A railway official said that while there was a court order mandating the removal of stray dogs from public places, the Railways depended on the Greater Chennai Corporation for implementation. “Corporation staff come to the station every week to sterilise the dogs. However, during the last visit, the dogs managed to escape when efforts were made to catch them,” the official said.
The official added that alternative measures were being explored to address the issue, keeping passenger safety in mind. “A large number of senior citizens use the station regularly. We are trying to resolve the problem with their safety also taken into account,” the official said.
The Supreme Court of India had earlier directed civic authorities to ensure that stray dogs were removed from sensitive public spaces to prevent risks to public safety.