The Supreme Court of India has amended its previous orders regarding the capture and sheltering of stray dogs on Delhi-NCR roads.
The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, directed authorities to release captured stray dogs, except the violent ones.
The Court issued notices to all states and union territories, asking them to submit their responses.
Stray Dogs to Be Released After Sterilisation
The Court clarified that the order is interim. It stated that dogs will only be released after sterilisation, and violent dogs will remain in shelters.
It also warned that anyone, including dog lovers or NGOs, who attempts to obstruct the Court’s order will face fines, Rs 25,000 for individuals and Rs 2 lakh for NGOs.
Citizens must first submit an application to adopt dogs, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), along with other authorities, will identify the shelters.
The order follows a suo-motu hearing on August 11, presided over by Justice Pardiwala, regarding stray dog issues in Delhi-NCR.
Petitioners filed several challenges to the earlier orders in the Supreme Court, prompting further hearings on August 14, after which the Court reserved its decision.
Arguments by Delhi Government and Animal Welfare Advocates
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta reported that around 37.15 lakh dog bite cases occurred in 2024, averaging 10,000 per day. He argued that while no one hates animals, not all households can accommodate dogs.
He showed videos of stray dogs attacking children and emphasised that a small, vocal group of animal lovers influences policy while the majority, including children, suffer.
Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, argued that authorities must follow ABC rules and parliamentary laws.
He criticised municipal authorities for not creating adequate shelters and failing to implement effective sterilisation programs despite available funds. Sibal questioned the suo-motu order taken without notice and requested the Court to stay the release of dogs until further hearings.
The Supreme Court emphasised adherence to ABC rules and parliamentary laws while balancing public safety and animal welfare.
The Court clarified that citizens face no threat from stray dogs and instructed authorities to enforce proper sterilisation and adoption protocols before releasing them.
Also Read: Supreme Court To Deliver Verdict On Relocation Of Stray Dogs In Delhi-NCR
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