The Supreme Court of India has ordered the immediate removal of all stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR and their relocation to shelters, triggering a complex situation involving public safety concerns, animal rights, and legal challenges. The ruling, delivered on Monday, August 11, 2025, mandates that civic bodies in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad must capture and transfer stray dogs to designated shelters within eight weeks. The court has also directed authorities to construct new shelters where they are lacking and submit infrastructure reports within the same timeframe.
The decision was made by a bench comprising Justices J. B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, who cited the rising threat of rabies and the increasing number of attacks on people, particularly children, women, and the elderly. The court termed the situation "grim" and emphasized the need for urgent action. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the order, highlighting the necessity for preventive measures to curb rabies cases and reduce harm to pedestrians. The Court has further warned that any individual or organization that obstructs the removal of stray dogs will face strict legal consequences. The bench clarified that the captured stray dogs should not be released back into the public. To ensure compliance, the shelters will be monitored by CCTV. Additionally, authorities have been instructed to create shelters capable of housing 5,000 to 6,000 dogs in the next six to eight weeks.
The Supreme Court's directive has been met with mixed reactions. Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) have largely welcomed the decision, viewing it as a significant relief from the increasing incidents of dog bites. They believe that the order will restore public safety, especially for children and the elderly who feel unsafe in parks and on the streets. Some RWA members also alleged the misuse of Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules by certain individuals and NGOs, which they hope this order will curb.
However, animal rights activists and organizations have strongly criticized the ruling, terming it "regressive" and "unscientific". They argue that the forced relocation of stray dogs is not a viable solution and could lead to increased panic and conflict between humans and animals. Activists also point out the lack of infrastructure and resources with civic bodies to carry out such a large-scale operation. The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) stated that the order contradicts global public health guidance, India's own laws, and humane practices. PETA India released a statement claiming that removing stray dogs from their communities is unscientific and has a low chance of success.
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) had previously advised against the relocation of stray dogs, emphasizing the importance of implementing ABC programs and anti-rabies measures. According to the AWBI advisory issued in 2022, stray dogs should not be relocated, and municipal corporations need to implement the ABC and Anti-Rabies Program jointly.
The legal basis for the activists' challenge rests on existing laws and guidelines. The Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, passed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, forbid the relocation of stray dogs from one area to another. These rules mandate the sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs, followed by their return to the same location. The Supreme Court itself had issued a similar order against the removal of dogs in 2009.
Despite these existing rules, the Supreme Court has currently prioritized public safety, setting the stage for a legal battle between animal rights activists and civic authorities. The court has also made it clear that it will not entertain petitions from dog lovers or other parties on the matter. The coming weeks will be crucial as authorities begin implementing the order and animal rights groups prepare to challenge it in court.
