Authorities have been ordered by the Supreme Court to remove all stray dogs from residential areas in Delhi NCR right away. This strict order comes after a startling rise in dog bites and rabies-related fatalities in the area.
Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan expressed deep concern over public safety. “We are not doing this for us; it is for the public interest. So, no sentiments of any nature should be involved,” Justice Pardiwala said during the hearing.
Rising Rabies Threat Spurs Urgent Action
The court took suo motu cognizance after reports highlighted a rise in rabies deaths linked to stray dog attacks. According to official figures, between January and June 2025, there were over 35,000 animal bite incidents and 49 confirmed rabies cases in Delhi alone.
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Nearly 60,000 people die from rabies every year worldwide. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that is mainly spread by dog bites. India accounts for more than one-third of these fatalities, according to the World Health Organization.
No Room for Sentiment in Public Safety
The bench directed authorities to pick up stray dogs from all localities without exception, including both sterilized and unsterilized animals. “Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to shelters. For the time being, forget the rules,” Justice Pardiwala ordered.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court about a planned site for relocating stray dogs, but said the initiative stalled due to a stay granted by animal rights activists. The court responded sharply: “All these animal activists, will they be able to bring back those who have fallen prey to rabies? We need to make streets free of stray dogs.”
The court also banned the adoption of stray dogs to prevent them from being returned to the streets, as some people may temporarily adopt dogs only to release them again.
Civic Authorities Tasked with Shelter and Monitoring
Delhi’s civic bodies, including the NCT Delhi, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), have been instructed to set up professional shelters immediately. These shelters must provide sterilization, immunization, and ensure that dogs cannot escape.
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The court emphasized the need for CCTV surveillance at shelters and the formation of dedicated forces to carry out dog removal. “How to do it is for the authorities to look into, and if they have to create a force, do it at the earliest,” the bench said. Authorities must also launch helplines for reporting dog bites and update the court regularly on progress.
Balancing Animal Welfare and Public Health
The delicate balance between public health and animal rights is highlighted by this order. The court emphasized that public safety must come first in this “grim” scenario, even though animal welfare organisations frequently oppose the bulk removal of stray dogs.
“We cannot sacrifice our children just because of a few dog lovers,” said Solicitor General Mehta. The challenge lies in humane treatment of animals while preventing further human casualties from rabies.
Vaccine Availability and Public Awareness
The Supreme Court also demanded more openness on the supply of rabies vaccines. Every month, authorities are required to submit comprehensive statistics on vaccine stockpiles and treatment-seeking rates.
Considering the high number of animal bite cases and the high untreated rabies fatality rate, this is imperative.
