New Delhi NCR: In a sweeping directive aimed at tackling the growing menace of stray dog attacks, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered authorities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram to remove all stray dogs from public spaces within eight weeks and shift them to secure shelters.
The order follows the tragic death of six-year-old Chavi Sharma from rabies after a dog bite in Pooth Kalan. Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports, the bench described the situation as “extremely grim,” pointing to alarming figures, nearly 2,000 dog bite incidents reported daily in Delhi alone.
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ABC rules effectively suspended
The court’s decision marks a significant departure from the current Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which require sterilised dogs to be released back into their original areas. Calling the policy “ineffective in ensuring public safety,” the bench said the rules cannot be allowed to put human lives at risk.
Shelter and monitoring mandate
The court directed civic bodies to set up CCTV-monitored shelters staffed with veterinarians and caregivers to sterilise, vaccinate, and permanently house the animals. Comprehensive records of each captured dog must be maintained, ensuring traceability and accountability.
Helpline and rapid response
Authorities must establish a dedicated helpline within one week for residents to report dog bite cases. Once a complaint is received, the concerned dog must be captured within four hours.
Public safety over activism
The bench stressed that public safety, particularly of children and senior citizens, overrides sentimental or activist objections. “No one’s emotions or activism can justify risking human lives,” the court stated.
Strict enforcement and contempt warning
The order warns that any individual, NGO, or activist obstructing the execution of these directives will face contempt of court proceedings.
Mixed Reactions
While many residents have welcomed the ruling as a long-awaited step towards safer streets, animal welfare groups have condemned it as unscientific and inhumane. Organizations like FIAPO have argued that large-scale removals disrupt community dog populations and fail to address the root causes of rabies.
The countdown begins
With just eight weeks to comply, Delhi-NCR’s civic bodies face a massive logistical and administrative challenge, building shelter capacity, staffing facilities, and ensuring swift enforcement. For thousands of stray dogs, the order signals the end of their presence on the streets; for residents, it could mark a turning point in the city’s public safety landscape.
Residents expressions
The Supreme Court has issued strict orders regarding the danger posed by stray dogs in Delhi. The court has directed that 5,000 stray dogs, especially from sensitive areas, be removed within six weeks, and that CCTV-monitored shelters be set up within eight weeks, where the dogs will be sterilized and vaccinated.
Deepak Gupta, Resident, GNW
As citizens, we wholeheartedly welcome this decision of the Supreme Court and express our gratitude for this unprecedented step on such an important public interest issue. We believe the positive impact of this order will be felt not only in Delhi but across the NCR and other parts of the country, bringing much-needed relief from the menace of stray dogs.
When will the Greater Noida Authority begin taking action on stray dogs?
Parabir Datta, Resident, GNW
We, the residents of Vedantam Society, are ready to hand over at least 30–40 stray dogs from our premises to support this initiative.
The Supreme Court has ordered that stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be captured, sterilized, vaccinated and kept in shelters without being released back onto the streets, warning action against those obstructing the process. I welcome the decision because it is a major relief that will enhance public safety and reduce dog bite incidents.
Nikhil Singhal, Resident, Noida
Authorities, it’s time to wake up! Please take the stray dogs to shelter homes and free us from this ongoing trouble.