Supreme Court Orders Shelter for Stray Dogs in Delhi-NCR
The Supreme Court has issued a directive for the collection and sheltering of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR within eight weeks. This ruling aims to enhance public safety, particularly for children, amid rising rabies cases linked to dog bites. The court has mandated that municipal authorities work together to create adequate shelter facilities and warned against any obstruction in this process. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi plans to improve animal birth control measures and raise awareness about rabies. This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing the growing concern over stray dogs in the region.
| Aug 11, 2025, 13:48 IST
Supreme Court Mandates Action on Stray Dogs
The Supreme Court has mandated that all stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region must be collected and housed in dedicated shelters established by the relevant authorities within eight weeks. In a significant ruling, the court instructed municipal bodies and other agencies to collaborate and create adequate shelter facilities within the specified timeframe, ensuring that dogs are removed from public spaces. Furthermore, the court emphasized that no stray dog should be returned to the streets after being placed in a shelter. The Supreme Court directed the Delhi government, MCD, and NDMC to commence the collection of stray dogs from all areas.
Court's Warning Against Obstruction
The court also warned that any individual or organization obstructing the collection of stray dogs would face legal action. It stressed that infants and young children must not fall victim to stray dogs under any circumstances. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance last month regarding media reports of rabies incidents caused by dog bites. These reports indicated that hundreds of dog bite cases are being reported daily in the city and its outskirts, leading to the spread of rabies, which poses a severe risk to children and the elderly.
MCD's Initiative to Address Stray Dog Issue
Earlier this month, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) announced plans to enhance animal birth control centers to tackle the stray dog issue in the national capital and to conduct area-specific rabies awareness campaigns. In a statement, the MCD mentioned that its centers, operated in partnership with various NGOs, will soon begin microchipping dogs to record sterilization status and other essential details, facilitating easier monitoring and tracking. In addition to sterilization, these centers will also conduct regular health check-ups, including blood tests.