In a significant decision, the Supreme Court of India has directed civic authorities in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad to make the Delhi-NCR region stray dog-free within eight weeks.
The Bench ordered that all stray dogs be caught, sterilised, vaccinated, and shifted to permanent Delhi-NCR dog shelters—with no possibility of them being released back into their original areas. The court cited the rising number of dog bite incidents, especially involving children and senior citizens, as a major public safety concern.
Calling the re-release of sterilised dogs “absurd,” the court also warned that obstructing the process could invite penal action, including contempt proceedings.
Implementation and Shelter Capacity Concerns
The ruling has been welcomed by several Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), but animal rights activists and NGOs have raised strong objections. They point out that Delhi stray dog shelter capacity is already inadequate for the estimated tens of thousands of dogs on the streets.
For years, the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program—involving sterilisation, vaccination, and release back into the community—has been the official policy, supported by World Health Organization guidelines. Animal welfare groups argue that abandoning this approach could lead to overcrowded shelters, increased stress for animals, and a humanitarian crisis.
Delhi Residents React to Stray Dog Ban
The Supreme Court’s stray dog ruling has split public opinion across Delhi-NCR. Many residents view it as a much-needed step to tackle dog bite incidents in Delhi, while others see it as a hasty move that could disrupt community balance.
Celebrity and Political Pushback
The decision has drawn reactions from high-profile voices. Bollywood actors Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan have criticised the move, as have PETA India and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, calling it a regressive step in India’s animal welfare policy.
The Road Ahead for Delhi-NCR
With the eight-week deadline ticking, Delhi municipal bodies must balance public safety with ethical animal management. Authorities will have to rapidly expand shelter facilities while ensuring that the process remains humane.
As one Delhi animal shelter operator told us, “It’s like trying to empty the Yamuna with a bucket—you can start, but you must know what happens when the bucket overflows.”
Whether this ruling becomes a model for stray dog control in India or a cautionary example of policy overreach will depend on what unfolds in the coming weeks.
