Supreme Court issue addressed: Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, to examine case discussed regarding stray dogs
The Supreme Court of India's recent directive to remove stray dogs from localities in Delhi-NCR has sparked a heated debate, with concerns over practicality, legality, animal welfare, and ecological impact [1][2][3][4].
On August 11, a Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ordered the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) to start the immediate removal of stray dogs from all localities in Delhi and shift them to animal shelters [1]. The order was initiated in a suo motu case by the Supreme Court over incidents of rabies and deaths from stray dog bites.
The Court also directed the creation of dog shelters with sufficient staff to sterilize and immunize the dogs. The shelters were to be established within 8 weeks. Contempt of court action was threatened against animal activists who obstruct the removal of stray dogs [1].
The order was motivated by public health concerns, with Delhi recording nearly 2,000 dog bite incidents daily and 49 rabies deaths in the first half of 2025 [2]. In response, the MCD collected over 100 dogs and converted some Animal Birth Control centres into shelter homes, while also identifying land for large-scale shelters [1].
However, the order has faced significant backlash from animal welfare activists, experts, and political leaders. Critics argue that the order is impractical and financially unviable, potentially harmful to the ecological balance, and against decades of evidence-based practice favoring sterilization and community care over relocation [3][4].
Animal rights groups like PETA India and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations have labelled the decision as 'illogical,' 'unscientific,' and against decades of evidence-based practice [1][2][4]. Former minister Maneka Gandhi warned that removing stray dogs could cause ecological problems like rodent surges, drawing historical parallels with 1880s Paris when dog removal led to rat infestations [3].
Activists have also raised legal concerns, as the order conflicts with India’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which promote sterilization and in-situ management of street dogs. Municipal authorities face difficulties balancing court directives with constitutional and legal responsibilities towards animal welfare [4].
Protests erupted in Delhi, including detentions of dog lovers and activists near India Gate [1]. In response, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai has promised to look into the controversy surrounding the removal of stray dogs from Delhi streets.
To address the public health concerns, the Court has ordered the creation of a helpline to report cases of dog bites, and details about places where Rabies vaccinations are available should be published [1].
The status of the controversial order remains contested, with ongoing implementation efforts and active public and legal opposition [1][2][3][4].
