The Supreme Court has ordered authorities in Delhi-NCR to remove all stray dogs from the streets within eight weeks and house them in shelters. The directive, issued on Monday during a hearing on stray dog attacks, has sparked mixed reactions from residents, officials, and animal rights groups.

Several Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) welcomed the move, calling it a much-needed step to tackle rising dog bite cases. Atul Goyal, president of the United Resident Joint Action (URJA), said the order would provide relief to citizens, adding that similar action should be taken for stray cattle, which also cause accidents and traffic disruptions.

Delhi Mayor Iqbal Singh also backed the decision, saying the Municipal Corporation and the Delhi government would work together to create both temporary and permanent shelters. “We will try to implement the order within six weeks and ensure no one faces problems because of stray dogs,” he said.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called the stray dog issue “gigantic” and promised a planned and systematic policy in line with the Supreme Court’s directions.

However, animal rights groups and some political leaders have criticised the order, calling it “impractical” and “inhumane.” PETA India argued that removing community dogs would cause “chaos and suffering” for both animals and residents. Advocacy associate Shaurya Agrawal noted that Delhi has about 10 lakh dogs, with only half sterilised, and housing all of them in shelters would be nearly impossible.

Former Union minister and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi also opposed the move, calling it financially unviable and harmful to the ecological balance. She estimated that building adequate shelters for Delhi’s three lakh stray dogs would cost around ₹15,000 crore. “This is a strange judgment given in anger. Angry judgments are never sensible,” she said.

The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) called the decision “shocking” and contrary to both Indian laws and global public health guidance.

The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has made it clear that no stray dogs will be released back onto the streets and warned that legal action would be taken against anyone obstructing their removal.

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