The Supreme Court on Thursday, August 14, reserved its verdict in the contentious case concerning the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets, following a heated debate that has split public opinion.
The three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria took up the matter after Chief Justice of India B R Gavai reassigned it from the earlier bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, which on August 11 had ordered authorities to capture and relocate all stray dogs to shelters.
The earlier order specified that no captured dogs should be released back onto the streets, and directed their sterilisation, vaccination, deworming, and sheltering as per the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
The August 11 directive set off a wave of protests, with animal rights groups, political leaders, and celebrities warning that blanket removal could lead to overcrowded shelters, cruelty, and public health challenges.
Critics, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Varun Gandhi, and Maneka Gandhi, argued for humane alternatives like sterilisation, vaccination, and community care. PETA India called the order “impractical, illogical, and illegal.”
On the night of the order, multiple protesters, including dog lovers and activists, were detained near India Gate.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) began implementing the directive, picking up over 100 stray dogs and converting 20 ABC centres into shelter homes. It also identified an 85-acre plot in Ghoga Dairy for large-scale shelters and announced a phased plan starting with aggressive or rabid dogs.
During Thursday’s hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for an NGO caring for stray dogs, urged the court to stay parts of the August 11 order, warning that forced removal was neither humane nor practical. He stressed that the matter required in-depth arguments.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered with public safety concerns, citing over 37 lakh reported dog bites annually in India. He stressed that “nobody is an animal hater” but the safety of citizens—especially children—must be ensured.
The Delhi government echoed this, pointing out that rabies-related deaths were preventable but required decisive action.
The bench remarked that the core issue stemmed from local authorities’ failure to fully implement the ABC Rules, despite Parliament having framed them.
“Rules and laws are framed by Parliament, but they are not followed. Local authorities are not doing what they should be doing,” the court observed.
The packed courtroom saw more than 150 lawyers attend, with animal welfare advocates hoping the relocation order will be stayed. Karnataka minister Eshwar Khandre suggested a balanced approach combining shelter expansion, clear SOPs for capturing dogs, and defined responsibilities for local bodies.
The matter now awaits the Supreme Court’s final ruling, which could redefine the balance between public safety and humane treatment of community animals.
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