The Supreme Court has directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to begin removing stray dogs from all localities and relocating them to dedicated shelters. The order, issued on August 11 and uploaded to the court’s website on Wednesday, comes in response to growing concerns over dog bite incidents, particularly those leading to rabies cases among children.

A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan emphasised that the judiciary’s role is not to reflect “popular sentiments of the moment” but to uphold justice, conscience, and equity. “As guardians of rights, we must have the courage to remind people of truths they may not wish to hear,” the bench stated.

Appeal for Responsible Care

While acknowledging the “genuine love and care” many people have for stray dogs, the court urged citizens to take responsibility by adopting animals from shelters or supporting their upkeep. However, it also criticised “virtue signalling” by those who show symbolic concern without taking practical steps.

The judges stressed that coexistence should not mean one life thrives at the cost of another, and warned against creating a divide between animal lovers and those indifferent to animals.

Public Safety Concerns

The order followed a suo motu case initiated on July 28 over repeated incidents of dog bites in the national capital. Citing a disturbing rise in such cases, the bench said this was not a momentary reaction but a response to “systematic failure” by authorities over two decades.

The court highlighted the vulnerability of children, elderly citizens, visually impaired individuals, and economically disadvantaged groups who cannot afford treatment for dog bites. It noted that stray dogs often view white canes used by the blind as threats, putting visually impaired people at greater risk.

Strict Directives for Authorities

The Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the New Delhi Municipal Council, and local bodies in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad have been ordered to pick up stray dogs “at the earliest” and ensure they are kept in properly maintained shelters. The court gave authorities eight weeks to report on the creation of such facilities.

The bench made it clear that no mistreatment or cruelty would be tolerated in shelters, and that animals must be provided with proper care. It also left the door open for authorities to implement adoption schemes for shelter dogs.

The order warned that any individual or organisation obstructing the removal of stray dogs would face the “strictest of actions” from the court.

Image Source: Google | Image Credit: Respective Owner