Supreme Court Justice, BR Gavai, to Assess Court Order on Stray Dogs According to Reports
In a dramatic turn of events, the Supreme Court of India has reserved its final verdict on the contentious order to permanently relocate all stray dogs from the Delhi-NCR region. The initial order was issued on August 11, 2025, directing the removal of stray dogs from the streets within eight weeks and mandating the creation of shelters capable of housing around 5,000 dogs in that timeframe.
The current status quo follows widespread protests and legal challenges by animal rights activists and the public, leading to a three-judge bench reconsidering the matter. As of August 22, 2025, the verdict is still awaited.
Key directives from the August 11 order remain the basis for the review. These include the immediate setting up of dog shelters/pounds in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad, with a progress report on infrastructure development in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) due within eight weeks.
Stray dogs are to be captured, sterilized, dewormed, and immunized as per the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, then relocated permanently to shelters without being released back onto the streets. Proper records of the dogs and the process must be maintained.
The bench commenced with the proceedings suo moto, terming the situation "very disturbing and alarming." Advocate Nanita Sharma mentioned that two benches of the apex court had passed different orders on the stray dogs issue on Monday.
The Apex Court's order emphasizes the urgency of picking up stray dogs from vulnerable localities at the earliest. The authorities are instructed to provide details about places where Rabies vaccines are available for public service announcements.
The initial order caused significant public outcry over concerns about animal welfare and feasibility since India's shelters currently house only a small fraction of the stray dog population (which numbers around a million in the Delhi region alone). The Supreme Court had threatened contempt proceedings against anyone obstructing the relocation efforts.
However, the controversy has not died down. Tamil Nadu's Municipal Administration Minister K N Nehru has agreed to implement the Supreme Court's order on stray dogs with relaxed effect. Bollywood actor John Abraham raised this matter with CJI Gavai on August 12.
PETA responded to the Supreme Court's directives, stating that "jailing dogs" is not scientific and that displacement has never worked as a solution to reduce dog bites and improve resident safety.
Meanwhile, those who obstruct the animal vans in following their due procedure would be booked for contempt of court. A helpline number for those in distress, specifically aimed at dog bite victims, would be set up by the authorities.
Until the verdict is announced, authorities are expected to continue the relocation efforts and build shelters as per the Court's directives. The current status remains uncertain, with the fate of thousands of stray dogs hanging in the balance.
- In the world of finance, investors are closely watching the developments surrounding the Supreme Court's decision about the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, as the outcome might impact policy-and-legislation related to animal welfare and protection.
- The ongoing controversy over the Supreme Court's order to relocate stray dogs from the Delhi-NCR region has gained traction in the general news and politics, with Bollywood actor John Abraham raising the issue with the Chief Justice of India and Tamil Nadu's Municipal Administration Minister agreeing to implement the order with relaxed effect.
- Defi, or decentralized finance, is not the only topic causing a stir – the future of thousands of stray dogs and their shelters in the National Capital Region is also a matter of debate among the public, animal rights activists, and authorities involved.
- Steering clear of the ongoing dispute over stray dogs, financial experts suggest that those looking for investments in the stock market should consider diversifying their portfolio, given the potential volatility in the market due to the unpredictable nature of political decisions and events.
