Supreme Court 2025 Stray Dog Order: Delhi-NCR Shelter Plan
On August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court of India delivered a major order aimed at tackling the rising stray dog population in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The court has directed local authorities to round up all stray dogs, carry out sterilization and vaccination, and then place them in shelters for permanent care. It has set an eight-week deadline for the entire process and warned that any attempt to interfere with these operations will not be tolerated.
Why the Court Took Action
The ruling comes after alarming statistics on dog bites were presented to the court. In 2024, India reported around 3.7 million cases, with Delhi accounting for 25,210 incidents. During January 2025, the city registered more than three thousand fresh cases. Even though no rabies-related deaths have occurred in Delhi since 2022, the court underlined that taking preventive measures is essential. The judges also expressed concern that a rising number of those affected are children, highlighting the seriousness of the threat to public safety.
Key Points of the Supreme Court’s Order
The Supreme Court has laid down specific directions for local bodies to follow:
- Stray dogs must be removed from roads, parks, and other public spaces in Delhi-NCR.
- If existing shelters do not have enough room, authorities should expand them or set up new ones.
- Shelters must be kept clean, offer adequate space, and provide veterinary care, including sterilization and vaccination.
- CCTV cameras should be installed in all shelters to track the animals and ensure they are not released back into the community.
- Anyone found obstructing these actions should face appropriate legal consequences.
How It Differs from Current ABC Rules
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules of 2023 allow for stray dogs to be sterilized, vaccinated, and then returned to the same area they were found. The new order changes that approach by keeping them in shelters permanently. Animal welfare advocates fear that this could lead to overcrowded and underfunded facilities. However, the court has defended the decision as a temporary but necessary measure to protect the public. The Chief Justice has hinted that the rules may be revisited in the future.
Reaction from the Public and Authorities
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters believe it will help control attacks and reduce rabies risk. Critics, on the other hand, point to the challenges of creating enough shelter space, securing funds, and hiring qualified staff in such a short period. Delhi’s municipal authorities are now drawing up action plans that include the creation of new facilities and a 24-hour helpline for reporting both stray sightings and bite cases.
Guidance for Residents
Officials in Delhi-NCR are advising residents to:
- Use the official helpline, once it becomes active, to report any stray dog sightings.
- Avoid feeding stray dogs in areas that are crowded or see heavy foot traffic.
- Dispose of leftover food and other waste responsibly so it does not attract animals.
- If you are bitten or scratched, seek prompt medical care and start rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as recommended by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
This ruling marks a change from the earlier system where sterilized dogs were released back to their original locations. For now, the emphasis is on keeping them in shelters. The coming eight weeks will be crucial to see if Delhi-NCR can set up and run these facilities efficiently while still treating the animals humanely. How well the plan is carried out will determine whether it successfully protects both public safety and animal welfare.
Stay with us for more news and in-depth coverage on this topic, and we would love to hear your thoughts – leave us a review on Trustpilot to share your feedback.
