Stray dogs in Delhi and NCR regions must be kept on a leash at all times, with a ban on returning them to public areas, as per the Supreme Court's decree.

Stray dogs in Delhi and NCR regions must be kept on a leash at all times, with a ban on returning them to public areas, as per the Supreme Court's decree.

In a bid to address the "extremely grim" situation with stray dogs across the National Capital Territory (NCT) and surrounding areas such as Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, the Supreme Court has issued a series of directives to the authorities involved.

1. Establishing Infrastructure and Task Forces: The authorities have been ordered to swiftly establish specialized teams for capturing stray dogs, particularly in vulnerable and peripheral areas. Additionally, dog shelters with a capacity of at least 5,000 dogs are to be created within the next six to eight weeks, equipped with facilities for sterilization, vaccination, and care. These shelters will be monitored by CCTV to ensure transparency and proper treatment of the animals.
2. Compliance with Humane Protocols: The capture and management of stray dogs must adhere to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. This includes sterilization, deworming, and immunization of the captured dogs before their permanent housing. The Supreme Court's new directive states that sterilized dogs should no longer be released back onto the streets to reduce the risk of dog bites and rabies transmission.
3. Legal Enforcement: All agencies, including municipal corporations, police, and civic bodies, are expected to ensure no delays or obstructions in the rounding-up process. The Supreme Court has made it clear that anyone resisting the lawful capture and sheltering of stray dogs will face strict contempt of court action.
4. Accountability and Progress Reporting: Authorities are required to report progress to the Supreme Court within eight weeks, detailing the steps taken in shelter establishment and dog capture. This will encourage timely execution and public accountability.
5. Public Awareness and Cooperation: Given the public anxiety surrounding stray dog attacks, particularly involving children and the elderly, authorities are urged to conduct awareness campaigns to explain the reasons behind the directive, encourage community cooperation, and engage animal welfare groups constructively to ensure humane treatment and public safety.
6. Addressing Opposition and Concerns: The directive has sparked protests from animal rights groups and political leaders. To address these concerns, authorities should maintain open dialogue, ensure transparency in shelter management, and possibly review policies to improve humane treatment without compromising safety.

The court has compared the situation with stray dogs to a character in the movie "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly," emphasizing the need for action rather than talk. Anyone resisting the capture of stray dogs may face contempt action from the Supreme Court. The court's directives are in the best public interest and aim to end a menace. It is crucial that no captured stray dog is released back onto the streets or public spaces.

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