The Supreme Court is set to hear a significant case concerning the management of stray dogs, with a larger, three-judge bench scheduled to take up the matter on Thursday. This development follows a previous order from a two-judge bench on August 11, 2025, which directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to relocate all stray dogs to shelters.
The case has gained considerable attention due to the conflicting views on how to address the issue of stray dogs. Public safety advocates emphasize the dangers posed by stray dogs, citing dog bite incidents and the alarming rabies toll. On the other hand, animal lovers and welfare organizations advocate for the rights of animals and promote humane solutions like sterilization and vaccination.
The initial order from the two-judge bench, comprised of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, came after the court took suo motu cognizance of a Times of India report titled "In a city hounded by strays, kids pay price" on July 28. The bench expressed concerns about the safety of children and the general public, asserting that citizens must feel safe. The court directed civic authorities to capture all stray dogs, sterilize and vaccinate them, and relocate them to newly built shelters. Furthermore, the bench mandated the installation of CCTV monitoring in these shelters to ensure that no animals are released back onto the streets.
However, this order sparked controversy and prompted swift reactions. Some welcomed the directive as a necessary measure to ensure public safety, while others criticized it as impractical and inhumane. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of capturing and sheltering all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR within the given timeframe. Animal protection groups argued that mass relocation is not a sustainable solution and could lead to further conflicts between humans and animals.
Adding to the complexity, it was brought to the attention of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai that the recent order appeared to conflict with a previous Supreme Court ruling from May 9, 2024. That ruling, delivered by a bench of Justices Maheshwari and Karol, had explicitly stated that there should be no indiscriminate killings of canines and emphasized compassion for all living beings. Advocate Nanita Sharma highlighted the conflicting directions from the two different benches.
In light of these concerns, CJI Gavai assured the court that he would look into the matter. Subsequently, the decision was made to shift the case to a larger, three-judge bench. This bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice NV Anjaria, is now tasked with resolving the conflicting orders and providing a comprehensive solution to the issue of stray dogs.
Adding another layer to the debate, an amicus curiae appointed by the Supreme Court submitted a report emphasizing the "fundamental right" of citizens to move freely without fear of dog bites or attacks. The report cited rising dog bite data, noting that in 2024, there were over 3.7 million reported dog bites across the country, with over 25,000 in Delhi alone. The amicus curiae recommended relocating stray dogs to shelters and not releasing them back onto the streets. The report argued that the 2023 Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules seemed to prioritize the rights of stray dogs over the fundamental rights of human beings. The court also criticized the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which mandate the return of sterilised dogs to their original locality.
The upcoming hearing before the three-judge bench is crucial, with the court expected to consider all aspects of the issue, including public safety, animal welfare, and the existing legal framework. The court's decision will likely have far-reaching implications for the management of stray dogs across the country.
