In a decision aimed at tackling the growing menace of stray dog attacks and rabies deaths, the Supreme Court on Monday directed that all stray dogs across the Delhi-NCR region be relocated to designated shelters.
The order mandates immediate action by civic authorities, with strict penalties for any obstruction.
A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan issued the directive after taking suo motu cognisance of a news report highlighting the surge in rabies-related fatalities and injuries caused by stray dog attacks, particularly among children and the elderly
“We are not doing this for ourselves. This is in public interest. Sentiments should not interfere,” Justice Pardiwala said during the hearing. The bench made it clear that no organisation or individual would be allowed to block the exercise, warning that any such interference would attract contempt proceedings.
The court instructed authorities in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to begin relocating all stray dogs—sterilised or not—from residential areas to professionally managed shelters.
These facilities must include provisions for sterilisation, immunisation, and secure enclosures equipped with CCTV surveillance to prevent escapes.
A dedicated helpline is also to be established for reporting dog bite incidents. Authorities have been given autonomy to form special units, if necessary, to carry out the removal drive.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, supported the directive, stating that public safety cannot be compromised.
He also raised concerns about adoption of stray dogs being misused to obstruct relocation efforts. In response, the court ruled out any adoption of stray dogs during the ongoing exercise.
The bench also criticised the delay caused by previous legal stays obtained by animal rights activists. “Can these activists bring back lives lost to rabies?” the court asked, underlining that no stray dog should be released once removed, and any violation would lead to strict action.
The court emphasised that shelters must be built swiftly, and regular updates must be submitted. Authorities have also been directed to publicly disclose the availability and stock of rabies vaccines, as well as monthly data on those seeking treatment.
According to Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) data, 49 rabies cases and over 35,000 dog bite incidents were reported in the capital between January and June 2025.
India accounts for nearly 36 per cent of global rabies deaths, according to the World Health Organization, with an estimated 60,000 fatalities annually.
The Supreme Court has called the situation “grim” and stressed that immediate, uncompromised action is essential to protect public health and safety.
