NEW DELHI, Aug. 11 — Calling the stray dog situation in Delhi “extremely grim,” the Supreme Court on Monday ordered the immediate removal of all strays from Delhi-NCR, including Noida and Gurugram, and their detention in dedicated dog shelters.
A bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala directed the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to begin pickups from every locality “at the earliest” and to ensure that no captured dog is released back into public areas.
“If any person or organisation obstructs the removal of stray dogs, strict action will follow,” the bench warned, adding that contempt proceedings could be initiated against animal rights activists who hinder the process.
The court authorised authorities to use force if necessary and ordered the establishment of CCTV-monitored dog shelters within eight weeks. These facilities must have sufficient staff for sterilisation and immunisation of all captured animals, along with daily records of strays captured and detained.
The top court also directed the creation of a helpline within one week for reporting dog bite incidents and asked authorities to publicise information on the availability of rabies vaccines at public health centres.
Justice Pardiwala said the directions were aimed at protecting public safety amid rising dog bite cases. “We will take stern action if any captured dog is released,” he stated.
