The Supreme Court's recent order to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR and place them in shelters has ignited a debate, highlighting the complexities of managing stray populations in India. While the order aims to protect citizens from dog bites and rabies, animal welfare advocates warn of potential negative consequences, including zoonotic disease outbreaks and increased aggression among strays.

Public Safety vs. Animal Welfare

The Supreme Court's decision comes in response to a rise in dog bite incidents and rabies deaths in Delhi. Between January and June 2025, Delhi reported 35,198 animal bite incidents and 49 rabies cases. India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths, with dog bites causing 92-97% of human rabies cases. The court emphasized that public safety, especially for children and the elderly, must outweigh sentiments. The order directs authorities in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad to capture stray dogs and move them to shelters within eight weeks, with CCTV monitoring to prevent their release back onto the streets. The court has also warned that anyone obstructing the removal of stray dogs will face legal action.

However, animal welfare organizations have criticized the order as "impractical and inhumane". They argue that mass sheltering is not a feasible solution due to the lack of infrastructure and resources. Mini Aravindan, a senior official at PETA India, stated that it is infeasible to build and staff enough shelters for hundreds of thousands of dogs, and the cost would be enormous.

Zoonotic Disease Concerns

Removing and relocating stray dogs can disrupt existing vaccination coverage and break up stable, disease-protected dog populations. This can trigger the "vacuum effect," where new, unvaccinated dogs move into the vacated areas, potentially increasing the risk of rabies and other zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Stray dogs can act as reservoirs for various zoonotic pathogens, including rabies, leptospirosis, leishmaniasis, canine brucellosis, dirofilariasis (heartworm), and canine distemper.

A study in Kerala found that stray dogs had an apparent incidence rate of 4% for leptospirosis, 7% for leishmaniasis, 0.8% for canine brucellosis, 24.1% for dirofilariasis, and 33.3% for canine distemper. These diseases can pose a significant risk to human health, especially for those in close contact with stray dogs. For example, hydatid disease, a zoonotic infection caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, can be contracted from contact with infected dogs and can cause cysts to form in vital organs.

Increased Aggression and the "Vacuum Effect"

Animal welfare experts also warn that the forced removal of stray dogs can lead to increased aggression. When stray dogs are relocated, they may become territorial and aggressive in their new surroundings, leading to more dog bite incidents. Additionally, the removal of established dog populations can create a "vacuum effect," attracting new, unvaccinated dogs to the area. These new dogs may be more aggressive and carry diseases, further increasing the risk to public safety.

Alternative Solutions

Animal welfare organizations advocate for alternative solutions, such as mass sterilization and vaccination programs. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, require that sterilized and vaccinated community dogs be returned to their original territories. These rules are designed to ensure stable, protected populations and long-term rabies reduction. Bharati Ramachandran, CEO of the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations, stated that forced removal directly contravenes these provisions.

Other measures to manage the stray dog population include responsible pet ownership, effective waste management, and public awareness campaigns. Encouraging pet registration, sterilization, and vaccination can help reduce the number of abandoned dogs and prevent uncontrolled breeding. Proper waste management can limit food sources for stray dogs, reducing their population. Public awareness campaigns can educate people about the risks of rabies and other zoonotic diseases and promote responsible behavior around stray dogs.

The Supreme Court's order highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and humane approach to managing the stray dog population in India. While protecting citizens from dog bites is essential, it is also crucial to consider the welfare of animals and the potential consequences of mass removals. A combination of sterilization, vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and public awareness is likely to be more effective in the long run than simply relocating stray dogs to shelters.