New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its decision on multiple pleas seeking a stay on its earlier directive, issued on August 11, which ordered the removal of all stray dogs from residential areas in Delhi-NCR and their relocation to shelter homes.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria said it would issue an interim order on the matter. The directive under challenge was passed by a different bench of the apex court.
At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, told the court that the issue of stray dogs involves a “silent suffering majority” that often goes unheard. He argued that despite loud advocacy by animal rights groups, many families—particularly children—suffer due to the increasing number of dog attacks.
“In a democracy, there is a vocal minority and those who silently suffer,” Mehta said. “Sterilisation does not prevent rabies. Even if dogs are immunised, it does not stop incidents of children being mauled. Parents are afraid to let their children play outside.”
Mehta cited data from the World Health Organization (WHO), stating that 37 lakh dog bite cases were reported across India in 2024, with 305 deaths from rabies—mostly involving children under 15. WHO modelling suggests the actual number could be even higher. He clarified that the aim is not to kill dogs but to separate them from human habitats for safety.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for an NGO opposing the August 11 order, questioned whether civic bodies have built enough shelter homes or adequately sterilised stray dogs. “Dogs are being picked up, but the order says they cannot be released back after sterilisation. That’s problematic,” Sibal noted.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi also voiced strong opposition, pointing out that while dog bites are a concern, there have been zero rabies deaths in Delhi this year. “We must not create mass fear. Of course, bites are bad, but this order exaggerates the issue,” he said.
The bench questioned local authorities on the status of implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules and criticised the long-standing inaction. Justice Nath remarked, “Rules are in place, but authorities have failed to implement them. This has led to suffering on both ends—humans and animals.”
The contested August 11 order, passed by a different bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, directed that all public areas in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad be cleared of stray dogs, with no provision for their return to the streets once captured. The order noted that it was not a result of “momentary impulse” but came after “decades of systematic failure” by authorities to address the issue.
The previous bench had emphasised that its decision was made in the interest of both public safety and animal welfare and reflected the court’s role in protecting citizens from persistent threats.
The Supreme Court is expected to pass an interim ruling in the coming days.
