Rishita Gangrade
New Delhi, August 11, 2025 – In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has directed that all stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) be immediately removed from the streets and relocated to dedicated shelters. The move comes amid alarming reports of rising rabies cases and a surge in dog bite incidents, with the city recording an average of 2,000 cases daily.
The bench, comprising Justices J. B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, described the situation as “extremely grim” and gave authorities a strict eight-week deadline to complete the relocation process. Importantly, the court ruled that once picked up, no dog is to be released back into its locality—a major shift away from the earlier Animal Birth Control (ABC) norms.
The court has instructed the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and civic bodies in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to set up fully equipped shelters with adequate staff. These facilities must provide sterilization, vaccination, and medical care to the dogs and be monitored round-the-clock through CCTV cameras to ensure that animals are not removed without authorization.
To address emergencies, the Supreme Court has ordered the creation of a helpline within one week for reporting dog bites and rabies cases. Authorities must respond to such complaints within four hours, with immediate capture of the concerned animal. The court further emphasized that any individual or group obstructing the implementation of these orders will face strict legal consequences, including contempt of court. Enforcement agencies have been authorized to use necessary force to carry out the directives.
Rejecting the long-standing practice of sterilizing and returning stray dogs to their original locations, the court called the approach “absurd” in the current context. Justice Pardiwala stated, “No sentiments of any nature should be involved. It is time to act, not to delay. Infants and young children must not fall prey to rabies.” The bench underscored that public safety must take precedence over emotional or ideological objections.
This decision marks a turning point in India’s approach to stray dog management. While animal welfare groups have often championed the ABC program, the Supreme Court’s order shifts the focus firmly toward public health and safety, particularly in high-risk areas like Delhi. The court made it clear that the priority now is to create secure, humane shelters that prevent further incidents while ensuring the animals receive proper care.