Have stray dogs in Delhi–NCR finally found themselves in trouble with the law? It sounds bizarre, but yes—the Supreme Court has issued a ruling that’s got everyone talking.
What did the Court order?
On August 11, a two-judge bench ordered that all stray dogs in the Delhi–NCR region must be rounded up and moved to shelters within eight weeks. No more letting them roam freely. And if anyone interferes with this plan—serious consequences await.
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Why now?
The bench pointed to rising incidents of dog bites and the looming threat of rabies, especially affecting children. Their message was clear: public safety has to come first, no sentimental delays allowed.
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But wait—wasn’t there already a rule?
Yes! The 2023 Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules were based on sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs and releasing them back to their original locations. Now, this order pretty much tosses that approach out of the window—and fast.
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The pushback has begun.
- Animal welfare groups call the new order “unscientific” and “harmful,” arguing it could create more chaos than it solves.
The Economic Times - Celebrities from Janhvi Kapoor to Vir Das have condemned it—calling it a “death sentence” for stray dogs and urging people to sign petitions or adopt instead.
Indiatimes - Maneka Gandhi warns of a serious ecological risk. Remember Paris in the 1880s? Removing stray dogs there triggered a rat explosion. She fears the same could happen here.
The Economic Times - Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says this mess isn’t about policy—it’s the poor implementation by municipalities. He suggests funding NGOs instead, to manage the problem effectively.
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What happens next?
Chief Justice B.R. Gavai has decided the case needs a bigger bench. A new three-judge panel—Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria—will revisit the entire issue. That could mean tweaks, total reversal, or compromise.
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Wrapping Up
Here’s what we know: The Supreme Court wants stray dogs off Delhi streets—permanently. It’s a bold public health move, but critics say it’s hasty and ignores humane, science-backed solutions. With public outcry and a three-judge review underway, the final verdict is still up in the air.
What’s your take—should safety override affection, or is there a kinder way forward that works for everyone?
