The Supreme Court on Monday issued a strong directive to civic bodies in Delhi and the National Capital Region, ordering the immediate capture, sterilisation, and permanent sheltering of stray dogs.
The court made it clear that the order must be carried out without delay or dilution.
A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan stressed that the growing number of dog bite incidents—often leading to fatal rabies cases—requires urgent intervention.
Court’s Observation
“Authorities must prioritise making all neighbourhoods free of stray dogs, especially vulnerable areas. If creating a dedicated task force is necessary, do it without delay,” the court said.
The bench underscored that the measure was being taken in the interest of public safety, not personal agendas. “This is for the people at large. No emotional or sentimental considerations can override public health concerns. Infants and young children must be able to move without the fear of being bitten,” it observed.
In its ruling, the apex court warned against any interference with the process, cautioning that individuals or groups attempting to obstruct the removal of strays would face strict action.
Key Directives From Court
Shelter Construction: Delhi authorities must build dog shelters with adequate staff and CCTV surveillance within eight weeks. Once dogs are sterilised, they must not be released back on the streets.
Mass Pickup Drive: Authorities must begin capturing 5,000 stray dogs within six weeks, prioritising high-risk zones, and penalising anyone obstructing the drive.
Strict Tracking: Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram civic bodies must keep a daily record of stray dogs caught, ensuring they are not released. Violations will invite stern measures.
Rabies Helpline: A dedicated helpline for dog bites and rabies must be operational within a week. Authorities must respond within four hours to capture, sterilise, and shelter the dog involved.
The move follows the court’s suo motu intervention in late July after a news report highlighted a surge in rabies-related deaths, particularly among children and the elderly, in and around Delhi.
The court had described the situation as “deeply disturbing” and had criticised civic authorities for their lack of effective action.
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