12 August,2025: The Supreme Court of India has issued a strict directive mandating the removal of all stray dogs from residential localities across the Delhi-NCR region within eight weeks. This order comes in response to escalating concerns about public safety following several dog bite incidents, including the recent death of a child due to rabies.
According to the court’s ruling, municipal authorities must capture stray dogs and relocate them to designated shelters. Importantly, the order prohibits the release of any captured stray dogs back onto the streets, even if they have been sterilized under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. This marks a significant departure from the existing policy where sterilized dogs were often returned to their original locations.
The Supreme Court’s decision is grounded in the urgent need to address the rise in dog bite cases, which pose a serious health risk due to the potential spread of rabies. India accounts for a significant percentage of global rabies deaths, with stray dogs being a primary source of transmission.
Animal welfare groups have expressed concerns about the welfare of the dogs once relocated but acknowledged the necessity of prioritizing human safety. Authorities have been directed to ensure humane treatment and adequate shelter facilities for the relocated animals.
The Delhi government and municipal bodies have been tasked with immediate compliance, with strict timelines to be followed. The order is expected to intensify efforts to control the stray dog population and improve public health safety in the region.
This Supreme Court directive underscores the balance between animal welfare and public health, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to manage stray animals in urban areas.
