Animal welfare groups, civic bodies, and the court clash over Delhi-NCR stray dog removal order.
Background of the Controversy
A Supreme Court order dated August 11 directing the removal of all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelter homes has sparked a heated legal and public debate. The directive, issued by a bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, followed a news report highlighting a surge in dog bite incidents.
Before the order was even made public, authorities in several regions allegedly began rounding up stray dogs, triggering protests from animal lovers and welfare organisations.
Hearing Before a New Bench
On Thursday, a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice NV Anjaria took up petitions challenging the August 11 order.
Justice Nath criticised civic authorities, saying:
“Parliament frames rules and laws, but they are not implemented.”
He acknowledged the tension between public safety and animal rights, stating, “On one hand, humans are suffering, and on the other, animal lovers are here.”
Arguments from the Government Side
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, stressed the need for action, citing 37 lakh dog bite cases in the last year.
- Children’s safety is at risk, with injuries and rabies-related deaths reported.
- Rabies prevention requires separation, not killing, of strays.
- “Parents cannot send children to play; young girls are mutilated,” Mehta told the court.
Arguments from Animal Welfare Side
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Project Kindness, argued:
- There are no existing shelter homes to house all stray dogs.
- Removing dogs without adequate facilities could lead to starvation, fights, and disease outbreaks.
- The court must stay the order until infrastructure is ready.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi called the order impractical:
- Directions “put the cart before the horse” by assuming infrastructure exists.
- Orders must be humane and legally sound.
Core Legal Issue
The petitions challenge the feasibility and legality of shifting all stray dogs without proper shelter facilities. Both sides agree dog bites are a public concern but differ on execution.
Current Status
The Supreme Court has reserved its order after hearing both sides. The final decision will determine the balance between public safety and animal welfare rights in Delhi-NCR.
This case is now a crucial test for how India balances human safety concerns with compassionate animal welfare laws, and the court’s decision could set a national precedent.
Also Read : Supreme Court Steps In: Larger Bench to Hear Stray Dog Shelter Case
