Top court sets eight-day deadline for civic bodies to shift stray dogs to shelters, warning strict action against anyone blocking the move.
The Supreme Court stray dogs Delhi-NCR order has directed that all stray dogs in the region be removed from residential areas and moved to shelters. The decision follows a sharp rise in dog bite cases and rabies deaths affecting children and elderly people.
The bench, comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, said public safety must take precedence over emotional concerns.
Eight-Day Deadline for Civic Bodies
The court ordered civic authorities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram to:
- Build or identify dog shelters.
- Relocate all stray dogs from streets to these shelters.
- Submit a compliance report within eight days.
Any organisation or activist group attempting to block the process will face strict legal action.
‘Forget the Rules for Now,’ Says Justice Pardiwala
Justice Pardiwala addressed amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwala and said:
“We are not doing this for us, it is for public interest. Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to far-off places. For the time being, forget the rules.”
Centre’s Update and Activist Opposition
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a relocation site in Delhi had already been identified. However, the process was stalled when animal rights activists obtained a stay order.
The bench questioned the activists’ stance:
“Will these activists be able to bring back those who have fallen prey to rabies? We need to make streets absolutely free of stray dogs.”
Rabies Deaths Prompt Court Action
The case came before the bench after the court took suo motu cognisance of a news report about the growing number of rabies deaths caused by stray dog attacks. Several incidents involved children and senior citizens, increasing public demand for urgent intervention.
The Supreme Court stray dogs Delhi-NCR directive signals a decisive approach to addressing the menace. Civic bodies now face intense pressure to complete relocation within the deadline. The coming weeks will determine whether this order leads to safer streets and fewer cases of rabies in the region.
