Activists Advocating for Animal Rights Consider Resurrecting Rabies Infected Strays, Following Delhi's Supreme Court Instruction to Eliminate Stray Dog Population
In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has revised its earlier order on the management of stray dogs in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC). The Court has now specified that only dogs infected with rabies, suspected of rabies, or displaying aggression should be removed to shelters, while all other stray dogs should be sterilized, vaccinated, dewormed, and then released back to their original localities in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
The Court has also banned the feeding of stray dogs in public places, requiring the Municipal Corporation to establish designated feeding zones with clear notice boards and helplines to report violations. Appropriate action will be taken against those who obstruct officials performing their duties and against violations of the feeding ban.
The Court's decision comes as it hears a suo motu case initiated over incidents of rabies and deaths from stray dog bites. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta conveyed appreciation from the parents of victim-children regarding the Court's initiative.
Regarding enforcement and compliance, the Court has condemned obstruction of stray dog removal efforts and indicated that contempt of court action could be taken against violators or those hindering officials. NGOs and dog lovers opposing earlier harsh directions have been asked to deposit fees for legal hearings, with the Court further directing NGOs involved to receive ₹25,000 each for setting up related facilities. However, further legal submissions have been barred.
The Supreme Court has emphasized a holistic and scientific approach, balancing public safety and animal welfare through sterilization, immunization, and controlled feeding. The authorities have been directed to create dog shelters with sufficient staff to sterilize and immunize the dogs within 8 weeks. The establishment of these shelters will be monitored by CCTV.
Moreover, the authorities are instructed to start picking up stray dogs from vulnerable localities immediately and maintain a daily record of stray dogs captured and detained. A helpline should be created within one week to report dog bites, and action should be taken within 4 hours of complaints received.
The Court has ordered the removal of stray dogs from all localities in Delhi and the immediate establishment of dog shelters within 8 weeks. Any resistance to these orders may result in contempt of court action. The matter will be heard again after six weeks.
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