SC Orders Immediate Removal of Stray Dogs from Delhi-NCR Localities Amid Rabies Deaths.
The Supreme Court today ordered that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be shifted out of residential areas to shelters, warning that any organisation obstructing the exercise will face the “strictest action.” The move comes amid a spike in dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths.
Hearing a case on the issue, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said only the Centre’s arguments will be heard, ruling out interventions from dog lovers or other groups. “We are not doing this for us, it is for public interest. Forget the rules for now — pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to shelters,” Justice Pardiwala said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a relocation site had been identified in Delhi but the plan was stalled after animal rights activists obtained a stay. The bench responded sharply: “Will these activists bring back those who died of rabies? We need streets absolutely free of stray dogs.” Adoption of strays, it added, will not be allowed to prevent their release back on the streets.
The court directed civic bodies in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram to immediately build dog shelters equipped with trained staff, sterilisation and vaccination facilities, and CCTV cameras to prevent escapes. A dedicated helpline for dog bite cases must also be set up.
“No stray dog should be released once caught,” the order said, warning of stern action if this rule is violated. It also asked authorities to publish details on rabies vaccine availability, stock levels, and monthly treatment numbers.
Between January and June this year, Delhi reported 49 rabies cases and over 35,000 animal bite incidents, according to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Rabies kills nearly 60,000 people globally each year, with India accounting for 36% of deaths, WHO data shows.
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