Animal rights activists may reclaim rabies-stricken canines; India's Supreme Court mandates the eradication of stray dogs in Delhi
The Supreme Court of India is taking action to address the rising incidents of rabies and deaths from stray dog bites in the capital city of Delhi. On August 11, 2025, the Court initiated a suo motu case over the issue and has since issued a series of directives to the authorities [1][4].
The authorities have been instructed to start the removal of stray dogs from all localities in Delhi immediately, with a focus on vulnerable and peripheral areas. The removal process should be followed by the establishment of dog shelters within eight weeks. These shelters must have the capacity to sterilize, deworm, immunize, and care for the dogs, and no dogs should be released back onto the streets [1][3][4].
The Court has emphasized the importance of this initiative due to the growing concern about public safety, particularly the increased number of stray dog bites affecting children [1][2][3]. Officials have been warned that any obstruction or hindrance in the smooth and effective implementation of these directives may result in contempt of court action [1][4].
A three-judge bench has reserved its order on pleas seeking to stay this directive, but the Court has stressed that there should be no delay or compromise in execution. The authorities have been given discretion on how to implement the directive, including forming dedicated task forces [1][4]. The deadline to report the establishment of these shelters and infrastructure is eight weeks from the order date, i.e., by early October 2025 [1][4].
The Court has also ordered the creation of a helpline for reporting dog bites within one week. The dog shelters will be monitored by CCTV to ensure transparency and accountability [2]. The Court expressed concern about the disproportionate impact of rabies on elderly people and children, and has directed the authorities to maintain a record of daily stray dogs captured and detained [1].
In a related development, dog rights activists have obtained a stay order, stalling a plan to relocate stray dogs to a designated site in Delhi [5]. The Court's orders apply to the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) [1].
As of mid-August 2025, the implementation of the Supreme Court's order is underway but remains in the early stages. The full implementation and reporting are pending, with an eight-week timeline from August 11, 2025 [1][4]. The Court is actively monitoring compliance and has warned against any resistance from individuals or organizations [1][4].
References:
[1] "Supreme Court orders removal of stray dogs, creation of dog shelters in Delhi". The Indian Express. August 11, 2025.
[2] "Supreme Court orders creation of helpline for reporting dog bites". The Times of India. August 16, 2025.
[3] "Supreme Court expresses concern over rising rabies cases, directs immediate action on stray dogs". NDTV. August 12, 2025.
[4] "Supreme Court orders immediate removal of stray dogs, no dog to be released". The Hindu. August 11, 2025.
[5] "Dog rights activists obtain stay order, stalling plan to relocate stray dogs in Delhi". Hindustan Times. August 15, 2025.
