Investigation of the DNA Television Program: Examination of the Supreme Court Decree Regarding Stray Dogs in Delhi-NCR Region
In a bid to address the increasing incidents of dog bites, particularly affecting small children, the Supreme Court of India has issued stringent guidelines for managing street dogs in the National Capital Region (NCR). The order, issued on August 14, 2025, mandates the removal of all stray dogs from the streets and their relocation to shelters within 6-8 weeks [1][3][4].
The municipal corporations of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad have been directed to run a campaign to catch street dogs and keep them in shelters. The shelters should be operational within the specified timeframe and capable of accommodating at least 5,000 dogs [1]. The court emphasised strict accountability, requiring round-the-clock supervision, detailed record-keeping of captured dogs, and warning of contempt of court proceedings or strict action against officials who negligently release dogs or obstruct removals [1][4].
Dogs must not suffer cruelty, starvation, or overcrowding in the shelters. At least two responsible persons must supervise each shelter round-the-clock, and weak and vulnerable animals should be housed separately [1]. Timely care by trained veterinarians is mandatory [1]. Precise logging and identification of all captured dogs are required, and any violation or negligent release could trigger strict action, including possible contempt of court proceedings [1][4].
The court has also set rules for adoption. Adoption is permitted only under the Animal Welfare Board of India’s May 17, 2022 protocol, and adopted dogs cannot be released back to public spaces [1].
However, the order has faced backlash and protests, including criticism from animal rights groups who argue that it contradicts the established Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules that call for catch-neuter-vaccinate-release (CNVR) [2][3]. The Supreme Court's Chief Justice BR Gavai has agreed to re-examine the order with a new bench hearing scheduled for August 15, 2025 [1][3][5].
As part of the guidelines, agencies will submit a status report of the action taken in six weeks. The apex court has also asked the agencies to issue helpline numbers for reporting dog bite incidents [1]. The latest update on the Supreme Court's guidelines for managing street dogs in Delhi-NCR is under review amidst public and legal challenges [1][5].
The Supreme Court's guidelines on stray dogs are intended to be seen from a humanitarian perspective, aiming to protect both humans and animals in the region. The court's ultimate goal is to ensure a safer environment for all residents of Delhi-NCR.
- While the Supreme Court of India is making strides in addressing dog bites through its stringent guidelines for street dogs in the National Capital Region (NCR), these policies have sparked controversy, particularly among animal rights groups who advocate for the catch-neuter-vaccinate-release (CNVR) approach, instead of the removal of stray dogs.
- Under the Supreme Court's guidelines, it is mandatory for municipal corporations in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to run campaigns for capturing street dogs, relocating them to shelters that can accommodate at least 5,000 dogs, and ensuring timely care by trained veterinarians.
- The guidelines also set specific rules for adoptions, stipulating that adoptions can only occur under the Animal Welfare Board of India’s May 17, 2022 protocol, and adopted dogs cannot be released back to public spaces.
- Accusations of cruelty, neglect, and possible violations have been raised against the shelters established as part of the Supreme Court's guidelines, with concerns over the treatment of weak and vulnerable animals, and round-the-clock supervision and accountability.
