New Delhi, India
The Supreme Court of India has directed civic authorities across Delhi-NCR to remove all stray dogs from residential areas and relocate them to designated shelters, warning that any organisation obstructing this process will face strict legal action. The directive comes in response to a rise in dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths in the region.
A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan issued the order while hearing a matter prompted by reports of increasing rabies fatalities following stray dog attacks. The court clarified that only submissions from the central government would be heard in this case, rejecting interventions from dog lovers or other private parties.
“We are not doing this for ourselves, but in the public interest,” Justice Pardiwala stated. “Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to far-off places. For the time being, forget the rules.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a site in Delhi had been identified for relocation, but progress stalled after animal rights activists secured a stay order. Responding sharply, the bench questioned whether activists could “bring back those who have fallen prey to rabies,” stressing the need to make streets “absolutely free of stray dogs.” The court also ruled out the adoption of strays during this process.
Civic bodies in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram have been instructed to construct secure dog shelters staffed by trained professionals for sterilisation and vaccination. The shelters must be equipped with CCTV cameras to prevent escapes, and no stray dog is to be released once captured. Authorities must also establish a helpline for reporting dog bite incidents.
The court emphasised that children’s safety cannot be compromised “just because of a few dog lovers” and authorised civic bodies to form dedicated forces if needed. Any obstruction to the removal process will be treated as contempt of court.
Highlighting the urgency, the bench described the situation as “grim” and ordered that the availability of rabies vaccines be publicly detailed, including stock levels and monthly treatment numbers.
The order underscores that the relocation of stray dogs should begin immediately, prioritising high-risk localities, and must be carried out without compromise to ensure the safety of residents.
