The court, however, stressed the urgency of the issue due to recent dog bite incidents, prioritizing public interest. The Delhi government must now create shelters for at least 5,000 dogs within two months.
Delhi: In a major move aimed at addressing the stray dog situation, the Supreme Court has instructed authorities in Delhi and the neighbouring NCR cities to remove all stray dogs from public spaces and keep them in shelters. The decision has triggered sharp criticism from animal rights advocates, who argue that such mass displacement is ineffective and harmful.
On Monday, the court directed the Delhi government along with municipal bodies in Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad to start taking stray dogs off the streets without delay. The order clearly stated that once moved to shelters, the animals must not be released back into their original locations.
PETA calls the move ‘unscientific’
According to reports, PETA India’s Senior Director of Veterinary Affairs, Dr Mini Aravindan, questioned the impact of this large-scale removal.
“Communities think of neighbourhood dogs as family, and the displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific and has NEVER worked. Per a population survey conducted in 2022-23, Delhi has around 10 lakh community dogs, with less than half sterilised. Forced removal of some 10 lakh community dogs from Delhi's streets will cause uproar in communities that care deeply for them and chaos and suffering for the dogs on a large scale. It will also ultimately do nothing to curb the dog population, reduce rabies or prevent dog bite incidents,” the statement read.
Sterilisation, not displacement, says PETA
Referring to the 2001 government requirement to sterilise and vaccinate community dogs, Dr Aravindan said the process helps reduce aggressive behaviour.
“Had the Delhi government implemented an effective dog sterilisation programme, there would hardly be any dogs on the road today,” she stated.
She further added, “Instead of wasting time, effort, and public resources on ineffective and inhumane displacement drives, an effective sterilisation program is still the solution and urgent need. Other important efforts would include a closure of illegal pet shops and breeders that contribute to animal abandonment, and encouraging the public to take in a dog in need from an animal shelter or the street.”
Court stresses public interest
While acknowledging recent dog bite incidents as “extremely grim,” a bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan issued strict directions to address the situation.
“We are not doing this for us, it is for the public interest. So, no sentiments of any nature should be involved. Action should be taken at the earliest,” Justice Pardiwala said.
He added, “Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to shelters. For the time being, forget the rules,” addressing amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwala, who had suggested possible steps to tackle the stray dog menace.
Shelter capacity to be expanded
As part of the order, the Delhi government must set up shelter facilities to house at least 5,000 dogs within six to eight weeks as an initial measure. These shelters must have enough staff for sterilisation and vaccination, be fitted with CCTV monitoring to prevent any release, and be designed in a way that allows expansion in the future.
(With agency inputs)
Published: 11 Aug 2025, 08:49 pm IST
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