The Supreme Court has issued a directive mandating the pickup and relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to dedicated shelters within eight weeks. This order aims to address the rising concerns about the stray dog menace and ensure public safety. The court has instructed municipal bodies and other relevant agencies to collaborate in establishing adequate shelter facilities within the stipulated timeframe, effectively removing the canines from public spaces.

Background and Concerns

The issue of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR has been a long-standing problem, with increasing reports of dog bites and attacks, causing significant public anxiety. Recent data indicates a surge in dog bite cases, with figures from Safdarjung Hospital revealing a spike from 63,600 in 2021 to nearly 90,000 in the first seven months of 2025. This has led to heightened fear among citizens, particularly for children and the elderly.

Adding to the concern, rabies remains a significant threat, with India accounting for 36% of the world's rabies-related deaths. The lack of awareness about which dogs are vaccinated further exacerbates the risk.

The Supreme Court's Directive

In response to the escalating crisis, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the issue, terming the rising number of dog bite cases and deaths as "deeply disturbing". The court's order to pick up and move all stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks is a significant step towards addressing the problem.

Implementation and Challenges

The implementation of this directive presents several logistical and infrastructural challenges.

• Establishment of Shelters: The concerned authorities need to establish a sufficient number of dog shelters to accommodate the large stray dog population in Delhi-NCR. This requires identifying suitable locations, constructing or renovating facilities, and equipping them with necessary amenities.
• Coordination Among Agencies: Effective coordination among municipal bodies, animal welfare organizations, and other agencies is crucial for the successful execution of the court's order. This involves streamlining the process of picking up stray dogs, transporting them to shelters, and providing them with proper care.
• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programs: Sterilization and vaccination programs are essential for controlling the stray dog population in the long run. The MCD has been working on upgrading animal birth control centers and conducting sterilization drives. However, experts emphasize the need for achieving a sterilization rate of 70-80% to effectively manage the population.
• Infrastructure and Capacity: The MCD is also working on additional kennel infrastructure in areas like Usmanpur and Rohini to share the load of existing facilities.

Concerns and Considerations

While the Supreme Court's directive is a welcome step for many, it has also raised concerns among animal rights activists and experts.

• Legality of Relocation: Relocating stray dogs is a contentious issue, as existing laws, such as the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, mandate that stray dogs be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to their original location. The Supreme Court has also reinforced the principle that street canines should not be relocated.
• Animal Welfare: Confining a large population of dogs in shelters may lead to overcrowding, stress, and compromised animal welfare. It is crucial to ensure that the shelters provide adequate space, food, medical care, and socialization opportunities for the dogs.
• Alternative Solutions: Some experts argue that focusing solely on relocation is not a sustainable solution and that addressing the root causes of the human-dog conflict is essential. This includes promoting responsible pet ownership, managing garbage and food waste, and raising public awareness about the treatment of community dogs.

Moving Forward

The Supreme Court's order presents a significant opportunity to address the stray dog menace in Delhi-NCR and create a safer environment for both humans and animals. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, coordination, and a humane approach. The authorities must ensure that the established shelters meet the required standards of animal welfare and that sterilization and vaccination programs are effectively implemented. Additionally, engaging with animal welfare organizations, experts, and the public is crucial for developing a comprehensive and sustainable solution to this complex issue.