The Supreme Court Today (Aug 11) directed Delhi authorities to remove stray dogs from all areas, starting with the most vulnerable. The court warned of strict action against anyone obstructing this work.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Monday gave strict orders to the Delhi Government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to immediately start removing stray dogs from every locality of Delhi, starting with the most vulnerable areas and cities.
A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan made it clear that no locality should have stray dogs roaming around and there should be absolutely no compromise in this work.
“NCT Delhi, MCD, NMDC shall at earlier start picking up stray dogs from all localities from more particularly vulnerable localities and cities. How to do it is for the authorities to look into and if they have to create a force, do it at earlier. However, this should be the first and foremost exercise to make all localities free of stray dogs. There should not be any compromise in undertaking any exercise,”
-the Bench said.
The judges also warned that anyone trying to stop or create problems in this work will face strict legal action from the court.
“If any individual or organization that comes in the way of picking stray dogs or rounding them up, we will proceed to take action against any such resistance,”
-the Court added.
Along with removal, the Court ordered the Delhi Government, MCD, and NDMC to create proper dog shelters with enough staff to sterilise and vaccinate the animals.
These shelters must also be monitored through CCTV cameras.
“The State of NCT Delhi, MCD and NDMC is directed to create dog shelters and report this Court creation of such infrastructure within 8 weeks. The dog shelters should have sufficient staff to sterilize and immunize. The dog shelter would be monitored by CCTV,”
-the order said.
The Bench also took a strong stand against certain animal rights activists, questioning their role when rabies cases are causing deaths.
“All these animal activists, will they be able bring back who have fallen prey to rabies,”
– the Bench demanded.
The judges further explained that this order is being passed purely for public safety and should be implemented without emotional or sentimental objections.
“We are not doing this for us—it is for the public interest. so no sentiments of any nature should be involved. Action should be taken at the earlier. Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to far off places,”
-the Bench orally remarked.
The Supreme Court was hearing a suo motu case it had started on its own after repeated incidents of rabies infections and deaths caused by stray dog attacks.
Here are the top statements made by the Supreme Court while pronouncing the judgement:
- We need to pick up round up with whatever means to ensure dog free locality and that’s how children and aged will feel safe.
- Have you seen the classic good, bad and the ugly- when you want to shoot, shoot don’t talk. It’s not the time to talk but act. All these so-called animal lovers, will they be able to bring back those children who have given their lives?
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi is directed to make dog shelters and report about creation of infrastructure within eight weeks. It must have sufficient personnel for sterilised, dogs who would be detained there and not released in public places. It will be monitored by CCTV to monitor that no dogs are taken out.
- Infants and young children, not at any cost, should fall prey of rabies. The action should inspire confidence that they can move freely without fear of being bitten by stray dogs. No sentiments should be involved.
- Create helpline within 1 week so that all cases of dog bites and rabies are reported. Action should be taken within 4 hours to pick up dog after complaint is received and any action of individual or organisation coming in the way will be taken with stern action. The said dog will be sterilised and shall not be released.
CASE TITLE:
IN RE: CITY HOUNDED BY STRAYS, KIDS PAY PRICE
SMW(C) No. 5/2025
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