In a major directive aimed at addressing the growing threat of stray dog attacks, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered that all stray dogs across Delhi NCR be relocated from residential areas to dedicated shelters. The court warned that any organisation or individual obstructing this process would face strict legal consequences.
The decision comes in the wake of a sharp increase in dog bite cases in the region, some of which have tragically resulted in rabies-related deaths.
A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. Mahadevan is hearing the matter, prompted by media reports highlighting the rise in stray dog attacks. The court made it clear that it will only hear submissions from the Centre and will not entertain petitions from dog lovers or other third parties.
“This is not about sentiments; it is a matter of public safety,” said Justice Pardiwala. “All stray dogs must be picked up and moved to shelters immediately. For now, we must set aside existing rules.”
Amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwala had proposed several measures to tackle the problem, to which the bench responded by instructing authorities to proceed swiftly. When the court sought the Centre’s view, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that a site for relocation had been identified, but progress was stalled due to a stay obtained by animal rights activists.
The court responded sharply: “Will these activists bring back those lost to rabies? We must make the streets safe and free of stray dogs.” The bench also ruled out the option of adopting stray dogs, citing the risk of people abandoning them again, thereby hindering relocation efforts.
Authorities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram have been instructed to immediately construct shelters for stray dogs and submit progress updates to the court. These shelters must be staffed by trained professionals to ensure proper sterilisation, immunisation, and handling of the animals. CCTV surveillance must also be installed to prevent escapes.
In addition, civic bodies have been directed to launch a dedicated helpline for reporting dog bite incidents. “All stray dogs, whether sterilised or not, must be removed from localities,” the court ordered.
“We cannot sacrifice our children for the sake of a few animal lovers,” said Solicitor General Mehta.
The bench emphasized that local authorities have full discretion in executing this task, including the creation of a special task force if needed. It further warned that any obstruction would be treated as contempt of court.
“The situation is grim,” the court noted. “Immediate and uncompromising action is required. Not a single stray dog should be released once removed. If such a case is reported, strict action will follow.”
The court also flagged concerns over the availability of rabies vaccines, directing the Delhi government to publish detailed information regarding vaccine stock, treatment centres, and monthly data on patients receiving post-bite treatment.
According to data from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, 49 rabies cases were reported in the capital between January and June this year. In the same period, over 35,000 cases of animal bites were documented.
Rabies, a deadly viral disease typically spread through dog bites, kills nearly 60,000 people annually worldwide. India accounts for 36 per cent of these fatalities, according to the World Health Organization.
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