Street Dogs in Delhi Undergo 8-Week Court-Ordered Transformation Plan by the Supreme Court
In a recent turn of events, India's Supreme Court has mandated that authorities must bring all stray dogs in Delhi, previously removed from the streets after sterilization and immunization, back to their original localities, with designated feeding spaces across the city[1]. This decision modifies an earlier judgment that had mandated permanent relocation of these dogs to shelters.
The controversy revolves around this change: animal lovers and activists filed an appeal against the August 11 ruling that required permanent relocation, arguing for the dogs to remain in their original areas rather than being confined to shelters. The court’s revised order seeks a balance between public health concerns—particularly controlling rising dog bite cases and rabies risks—and animal welfare by allowing the dogs to stay in their familiar environments after sterilization and immunization[1].
The order excludes dogs infected with rabies or showing aggressive behavior to ensure public safety[1]. New Delhi, with about 2,000 dog bite incidents daily, faces a significant challenge in controlling interactions while safeguarding the dogs' welfare.
The Mayor of Delhi, Raja Iqbal Singh, has announced that the removal of street dogs from the streets will be carried out in phases. The first phase involves identifying and relocating dogs that are prone to biting or infected with rabies[2]. The Delhi Municipal Corporation plans to convert 20 existing sterilisation centres into dog shelters for the purpose[3].
NGOs will be brought on board to manage the day-to-day operations of the shelters[4]. The Mayor stated that in the shelter homes, the dogs will be treated as pets[5]. The Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh asserted that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has the resources to execute the Supreme Court directive[6].
The plan includes coordinating and planning with various agencies across the Delhi-NCR to create dog-free zones and scale up the sterilisation programs[7]. The Resident Welfare Associations have welcomed the plan, stating that it'll make societies and neighborhoods safer[8]. Minister Kapil Mishra has emphasized that the execution will be done with compassion and kindness[9].
However, not everyone is in agreement. Maneka Gandhi, a Veteran Animal Rights Activist, has called the order impractical and financially unviable[10]. Critics and veterinarians warn that mass relocation could lead to overcrowding, neglect, and deteriorating animal health[11]. PETA India argues that mass sheltering of street dogs is simply impossible and could lead to very bad living conditions[12].
In June, a six-year-old from Rohini's Pooth Kalan died of rabies weeks after a dog bite[13]. The court has stressed the order prioritizes public safety, especially for children, amid rising dog bites and rabies deaths[14]. The government has ordered strict staffing measures and legal action against those obstructing the removal process[15].
A helpline will be released by the Government of Delhi, as suggested by the Supreme Court[16]. Despite the controversy, the implementation of the Supreme Court's order is underway, with the first phase already initiated. The debate continues, with both sides advocating for the welfare and safety of the city's street dogs.
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- The debate in policy-and-legislation surrounding India's street dogs has intensified as critics question the practicality and financial viability of the Supreme Court's revised order, which allows for the return of sterilized and immunized dogs to their original localities with designated feeding spaces, while ensuring public health concerns are addressed.
- The politics of animal welfare in Delhi manifested further as Maneka Gandhi, a Veteran Animal Rights Activist, challenged the approved plan, suggesting that mass relocation, management, and sheltering of street dogs may result in overcrowding, neglect, and deteriorating animal health, potentially posing risks to both animal and human health.
