India has 3.7 million dog bites a year. It accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths. In May 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that civic authorities may euthanise rabid or demonstrably aggressive stray dogs, calling the right to walk public spaces without fear a fundamental right under Article 21. Is this a landmark ruling or a shortcut that papers over 65 years of governance failure?
Malathi Renati (Takshashila Institution) speaks with Samyukta Hornad, founder of Praana Animal Foundation, a popular Kannada actor and someone who has been doing the unglamorous work of animal welfare since the age of 16.
This debate is examined through the Samaaj, Sarkaar, and Bazaar: One number worth sitting with: Lucknow sterilised 84% of its stray population, halved birth rates, and was cited by the SC as India's national benchmark. It worked with sustained funding, NGO partnership, and 15,000 trained citizen volunteers. Can other states take courage?
All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/research-areas
Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
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