Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said Friday the state government will build shelters for stray dogs and remove the animals from crowded public places, days after backlash over remarks interpreted as supporting the killing of dangerous dogs.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Mann said the Punjab government would fully comply with a May 19 order of the Supreme Court (SC) of India regarding the handling of stray dogs.

He said the government would establish and maintain a sufficient number of dog shelters where stray animals could be cared for properly and humanely.

“Stray dogs will be removed from heavily crowded public places so that children, senior citizens and families can move around freely without fear,” Mann said.

The CM emphasized that the government remains committed to a legal and humane solution to the issue.

Mann’s clarification came after widespread criticism erupted across India following his earlier remarks about eliminating dangerous and stray dogs. Animal welfare advocates and social media users accused the government of promoting cruelty toward animals.

In Friday’s statement, Mann said any action involving rabid dogs, terminally ill animals or dogs deemed highly dangerous to human life would be taken strictly in accordance with India’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.

The Punjab government said instructions had already been issued across the state to implement the Supreme Court’s directions.