INTRODUCTION
The streets are home to stray dogs, whether in crowded markets or quiet residential areas. But the growing cases of dog bites and rabies are increasing day by day.[1] Recently, this issue reached the Supreme Court, which passed an order directing that all stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) should be relocated to shelters within just eight weeks.[2]
The order, aimed at protecting citizens from rising attacks and rabies, has triggered strong reactions and debates. On the one hand, there is an urgent need to ensure public safety; on the other hand, concerns arise about practicality, animal rights, and humane treatment. With more than 10 lakh stray dogs in Delhi alone, the challenge is not only enormous but also raises questions about how the Supreme Court can realistically provide adequate shelter facilities.[3]
This blog will discuss the Supreme Court’s order, the reasons behind it, the public outrage it sparked, and the larger question of how India should balance human safety with compassion and justice for animals.
OVERVIEW OF THE ORDER
The recent outrage we saw on social media regarding stray dogs, along with the protests in Delhi after the Supreme Court of India passed an order to relocate all stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to shelters within just eight weeks. The Court gave this direction after a massive increase in reports of rabies cases caused by dog bites in the state.[4] The Court’s main concern is public safety. However, this order sparked debate because the challenge of shifting over 10 lakh dogs in Delhi alone is not an easy task.
While the decision aims to reduce the risk of attacks and rabies, it has also raised questions about practicality, facilities, and animal rights. Some argue that the eight-week timeline is too short and almost impossible, especially considering the lack of shelters. Delhi and NCR together have limited shelter facilities compared to the massive stray dog population. In fact, Delhi has a massive stray dog population. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) operates just 20 animal control centres, none of which function as dedicated dog shelters, with a combined capacity for less than 5,000 dogs.[5]
PUBLIC REACTION AND OUTRAGE
After this order of the Supreme Court of Indian, people became upset and strongly opposed the Supreme Court’s decision across Delhi and NCR. Social media platforms were flooded with posts, petitions, and hashtags opposing the relocation of stray dogs, raising concerns solely for the dogs’ welfare.[6] Several animal activists, rights groups, and local citizens organised protests and even a candle march at India Gate. Similar protests were also seen in Lucknow, Mumbai, and Jaipur,[7] where people argued that shifting dogs into shelters within such a short time was both inhumane and impractical. They instead suggested humane alternatives such as sterilisation, feeding, vaccination, and adoption. Many, including the Supreme Court, pointed out that suddenly everyone began portraying themselves as ‘animal lovers’. Yet the reality is more complex. While some genuinely worry about the rights and welfare of stray dogs, others believe this is an emotional reaction that overlooks the main issue: public safety and the alarming rise in rabies cases.
This clash has divided society into two camps: on one side are those who believe humans must be protected first; on the other are activists who argue that stray dogs also have a right to roam freely, as the streets are their true home.
ANIMAL RIGHTS AND LEGAL PROTECTION
This order also appears to supersede the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023,[8] enacted by Parliament, which clearly states that after a dog is vaccinated or sterilised, it must be released back into the same location from which it was picked up.
In India, stray dogs are not without legal protection. Article 51A(g) of the Constitution[9] places a duty on every citizen to show compassion towards all living creatures. Similarly, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, ensures that animals are protected from unnecessary pain and suffering.[10] The Supreme Court and various High Courts have also recognised that stray dogs have the ‘right to live’ and cannot simply be killed or removed cruelly. For example, in Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja (2014), the Supreme Court held that animals are living beings with dignity and intrinsic value.[11]
However, the recent order regarding the relocation of dogs has raised serious concerns. On one side, it seeks to protect humans from rabies and dog attacks. On the other hand, it is going against the established principle that stray dogs should not be permanently removed from their natural surroundings unless necessary. This has created a direct clash between public safety and animal rights.
PROS AND CONS OF THE SC’s ORDER
Pros of the Order:
- Public Safety Concern – With rising cases of rabies, the Supreme Court’s order shows concern for the safety of citizens, especially children and the elderly.[12]
- Care for Stray Dogs – Through this order, the SC not only works for public safety but also shows concern for stray dogs by relocating them to shelters where they can receive better care and protection instead of being left on the streets.
- Preventing Further Attacks – Immediate sheltering of dogs could reduce the number of stray dog attacks in crowded residential areas and near schools.
Cons of the Order:
- Impractical Timeline – Relocating more than 10 lakh stray dogs in Delhi alone within eight weeks is nearly impossible.
- Conflict with Existing Laws – The order appears to contradict the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023,[13] which require sterilised and vaccinated dogs to be returned to their original locations.
- Not a Long-Term Solution – Relocation may only provide temporary relief. Unless sterilisation, vaccination, and adoption programs are strengthened, the stray dog population will continue to rise.
CONCLUSION
The Supreme Court’s order was passed in a suo motu case concerning the increasing number of stray dog attacks on children, including infants.[14] The directive to relocate stray dogs in Delhi and NCR within eight weeks highlights an urgent concern for public safety. However, after public backlash, a Bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath, along with Justices Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria, reserved its order on pleas seeking a stay on the Supreme Court’s August 11, 2025 directive for the blanket removal of stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region.[15] Relocating such a large stray dog population within a short period is not only impractical but also inconsistent with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. While the intention behind the order is to reduce immediate risks of dog bites and safeguard citizens, the public continues to demand a more sustainable approach. Such an approach would involve expanding vaccination and sterilisation programs, creating additional shelter facilities, and encouraging adoption mechanisms.
The issue requires a balanced policy framework that addresses both public health concerns and upholds the existing legal protections granted to animals in India.
Author(s) Name: Priyanshi Karwal (Dewan Law College, Meerut)
References:
[1] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, ‘Delhi reports 25,210 dog bite cases in 2024’ https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/timely-rabies-vaccine-administration-key-experts-101754936870063.html accessed 18 August 2025.
[2] Supreme Court of India, ‘Supreme Court orders relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR in suo motu case’ (Reuters, 11 August 2025) https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-top-court-orders-delhi-authorities-move-stray-dogs-shelters-2025-08-11/ accessed 18 August 2025.
[3] Municipal Corporation of Delhi, ‘Delhi-NCR: No census of strays in 16 years’ (Hindustan Times, 13 August 2025) https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-no-census-of-strays-in-16-years-101754959945420.html accessed 18 August 2025.
[4] Municipal Corporation of Delhi, ’49 rabies cases reported in Delhi as animal bites cross 35,000 in 2025’ (OpIndia, 6 August 2025) https://www.opindia.com/news-updates/49-rabies-cases-reported-in-delhi-as-animal-bites-cross-35000-in-2025-says-mcd/ accessed 18 August 2025
[5] NDTV, ‘Supreme Court wants stray dogs off Delhi roads, but where are the shelters?’ (NDTV, 11 August 2025) https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/supreme-court-stray-dogs-supreme-court-wants-stray-dogs-off-delhi-roads-but-where-are-the-shelters-9069174 accessed 18 August 2025
[6] India Times, ‘Supreme Court’s stray dog relocation order sparks outrage on social media’ (India Times, 12 August 2025) https://indiatimes.com/trending/supreme-courts-stray-dog-removal-order-slammed-by-animal-rights-group-celebs-call-it-death-warrant-666484.html accessed 18 August 2025
[7] Times of India, ‘Protest rally at Andheri against SC judgement on Delhi dogs issue’ (Times of India, 13 August 2025) https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/protest-rally-at-andheri-against-sc-judgement-on-delhi-dogs-issue/articleshow/123351131.cms accessed 18 August 2025
[8] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023 (Government of India, 2023) https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2023/239655.pdf accessed 18 August 2025
[9] Constitution of India 1950, art 51A(g)
[10] Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 (India)
[11] Animal Welfare Board of India v A Nagaraja (2014) 7 SCC 547
[12] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Annual Report on Rabies and Dog Bite Cases in Delhi (2025) https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/timely-rabies-vaccine-administration-key-experts-101754936870063.html
[13] Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules 2023 (India) https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2023/241227.pdf accessed 18 August 2025
[14] Supreme Court of India (2025) Suo Motu Case No. 123/2025, Delhi-NCR Stray Dog Relocation Order (11 August 2025) https://www.scobserver.in/journal/stray-dogs-menace-making-sense-of-the-supreme-courts-intervention/ accessed 18 August 2025
[15] Supreme Court of India, Suo Motu Case on Stray Dogs in Delhi-NCR (Bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath, 11 August 2025) https://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/supreme-court-reserves-order-on-stray-dogs-case/articleshow/123352836.cms accessed 18 August 2025
