Delhi-NCR stray dogs: SC to deliver verdict, animal activists plan 'judgment day' gathering at Jantar Mantar

By Admin

22 Aug, 2025

New Delhi:
The Supreme Court is set to deliver its crucial order on Friday, August 22, on a plea challenging its earlier directive to permanently relocate stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets to designated shelters. The verdict will come from a special three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria, which reserved its decision on August 14.

Background: The August 11 Order

On August 11, a two-judge bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed authorities in the Delhi-NCR to begin removing stray dogs from all localities “at the earliest” and relocating them to shelters. The order came as part of a suo motu case initiated on July 28 after a media report highlighted rising rabies cases caused by dog bites, especially among children in the national capital.

The court also instructed the immediate creation of shelters or pounds to accommodate at least 5,000 dogs and demanded a compliance report within eight weeks. It warned of the strictest action against anyone obstructing the relocation process.

Widespread Protests and Opposition

The August 11 directive sparked nationwide protests, with several animal rights groups and NGOs strongly opposing the order. They argue that mass relocation is not a humane or sustainable solution and that the root problem lies in the poor implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which focus on sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs.

The special bench, while hearing related petitions on August 14, also noted that the stray dog crisis in Delhi-NCR is largely due to “inaction” by local authorities in enforcing the ABC Rules effectively.

Dog Bite Data and Public Health Concerns

Supporting the need for strict measures, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi government, presented alarming statistics. India recorded nearly 37.15 lakh dog bite cases in 2024 averaging almost 10,000 per day. According to a World Health Organisation report, 305 people died last year from dog bites across the country. These figures, the government argued, highlight the urgency of tackling the stray dog menace in a systematic way.

Awaiting the Verdict

Lawyers representing various organisations have urged the court to put a hold on some of the August 11 directions, particularly the large-scale relocation plan. The special bench is expected to weigh the balance between public health concerns and animal welfare before delivering its verdict.

Animal Activists’ ‘Judgment Day’ Gathering

Meanwhile, several animal rights groups and NGOs have announced that they will gather at Jantar Mantar on August 22 to witness the proceedings together. A live screening of the Supreme Court hearing will be organised from 10 am, turning the day into what activists are calling “Judgment Day” for India’s stray dogs.

For activists, the outcome of this case will decide whether India takes the path of mass removal of strays or strengthens long-term humane solutions through sterilisation and vaccination.