Landmark Verdict: SC Orders Relocation of All Stray Dogs in Delhi-NCR to Dedicated Shelters Within 8 Weeks

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New Delhi, August 11, 2025 – The Supreme Court directed civic authorities in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to round up all stray dogs within eight weeks and house them in dedicated shelters. The order, issued by a bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, responds to a rise in dog bite cases and rabies-related deaths.

The court instructed the Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and authorities in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to establish shelters for 5,000 dogs and create a helpline for reporting dog bite incidents.

The bench stated, “Round up all stray dogs from all localities, including localities on the outskirts of Delhi, and shift them to some other place…Whether sterilised or not sterilised, the society must feel free and safe. You should not have any stray dogs roaming around.” Justice Pardiwala emphasized public interest, saying, “So, no sentiments of any nature should be involved. Action should be taken at the earliest.”

Official data recorded 51,773 dog bite cases in Delhi in 2023, with 44,995 cases reported by August this year. The court criticized the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which mandate releasing sterilized dogs back to their original localities, calling them “unreasonable” and “absurd.”

The bench remarked, “Forget the rules and face reality. These dogs are to be rounded up and captured immediately by whatever means. That’s how you can make children and senior citizens feel safe.”

The court rejected intervention applications, including one from senior advocate Sidharth Luthra on behalf of animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi. The bench stated, “All intervention applications are rejected. In the larger interest of people and the grim situation prevailing that has put the safety and lives of children, senior citizens, and everyone else in peril, we will not entertain any intervention application.”

In the landmark verdict, the Supreme court also mandated that the Delhi government disseminate information on the availability and locations of genuine rabies vaccines, addressing senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal’s concerns about the current shortage. It also warned that any interference or obstruction by individuals or organizations would be considered contempt of court.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta raised concerns about dog adoption, noting, “We cannot sacrifice our children just because of a few dog lovers.” He highlighted that individuals might adopt dogs temporarily and release them again. The court’s directive follows a news report on rising rabies deaths due to stray dog attacks, prompting the bench to act in the interest of public safety.

The directions stem from the court’s suo motu action on July 28, following media reports about the death of six-year-old Chavi Sharma from rabies in Delhi’s Pooth Kalan. She was bitten by a rabid dog on June 30 and died on July 26 despite receiving treatment. [Rh/Eth/VS]

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