Authorities directed to transport strays dogs within Delhi-NCR region to shelters, following a Supreme Court ruling.
In a significant move aimed at managing stray dog populations and controlling the spread of rabies, the Supreme Court has issued a directive on August 11, 2025, requiring authorities in Delhi-NCR, including cities like Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad, to relocate all stray dogs to dedicated shelters.
The court's order emphasizes that stray dogs should be captured, sterilized, dewormed, and immunized in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has already begun implementing this directive by picking up over 100 stray dogs and converting 20 Animal Birth Control centres into shelter homes.
However, the directive and its enforcement have sparked controversy and protests. Animal rights activists, dog lovers, and prominent political leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra oppose the blanket removal, arguing that shelters, sterilization, vaccination, and community care can control stray dogs without cruelty. Organizations like PETA India have called the order “impractical, illogical, and illegal.”
The Supreme Court's order mandates immunization of dogs as part of their capture and sheltering to control rabies and safeguard public health. The MCD's plan specifically notes aggressive and rabies-infected dogs as an early target for removal.
The controversy includes protests, detentions, and misinformation regarding mass killings. However, allegations of mass killings following the Court’s order are under scrutiny and do not conclusively establish such actions as official policy.
Rapid urbanization in India is a significant factor contributing to the growth of the stray dog population. Inadequate waste management leaves stray dogs scavenging for food in dumping grounds. The authorities have been instructed to pick up stray dogs from all localities, with a focus on vulnerable areas like Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad.
The Supreme Court has stated that it will take action against any individual or organization that comes in the way of picking stray dogs or rounding them up. The court also emphasized that the safety of infants and young children is paramount and they should not be exposed to rabies. In response to the "grim" situation of stray dogs, the Supreme Court has ordered the commencement of a shelter for 5,000 to 6,000 stray dogs within the next six weeks.
The court has directed the authorities of cities like Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, MCD, and NDMC to move stray dogs to shelters. Additionally, CCTV must be installed to ensure that no dogs are taken out from the shelters. The Supreme Court has urged that no sentiments should be involved in the process of picking up and sheltering stray dogs. The court also stated that the action should instill confidence in citizens that they can move freely without fear of being bitten by stray dogs.
This development reflects an ongoing tension between public health concerns and animal welfare advocacy in managing stray dog populations in Indian cities. The Supreme Court's directive underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both the well-being of humans and animals while ensuring the safety of citizens.
[1] The Indian Express, "Supreme Court orders relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR", August 11, 2025. [2] The Times of India, "SC orders Delhi-NCR to relocate stray dogs to shelters", August 11, 2025. [3] Express Cafe Podcast, "Maneka Gandhi discusses Supreme Court's stray dog relocation order", August 15, 2025. [4] India Today, "Mass killings of stray dogs: Misinformation circulates on social media", August 13, 2025. [5] NDTV, "Fact Check: No evidence of mass killings of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR", August 14, 2025.
