Supreme Court to hear controversial order on relocation of stray dogs

A three-judge bench will review the apex court’s earlier directive to permanently move all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters, after the verdict sparked nationwide protests.

The Supreme Court is set to revisit its contentious August 11 directive ordering the permanent relocation of all stray dogs from Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to shelters. The review comes after the ruling triggered widespread protests from animal rights groups, residents, and civic activists across the country.

Also Read:NHAI to roll out ₹3,000 FASTag annual pass from Aug 15-Full details here

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria will hear the matter on Friday. This follows a plea referencing the earlier verdict by Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, which deemed the rise in dog bite incidents “extremely grim” and mandated immediate removal of all strays from the streets.

The August 11 order also required the creation of shelter facilities for at least 5,000 dogs within 6–8 weeks, with a warning of strict legal action, including contempt proceedings, against anyone obstructing the relocation drive.

Also Read:Bengaluru sees over 13,800 dog bite cases in six months amid statewide surge

However, petitioners have pointed to existing Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, which require sterilisation and vaccination programmes rather than mass relocation. They argue that authorities have failed to fully implement these measures, leading to uncontrolled growth in stray populations.

The case also raises questions about the balance between public safety, urban animal management, and humane treatment of stray animals. The upcoming hearing will determine whether the relocation order stands, is modified, or is replaced with a policy that aligns more closely with established animal welfare laws.

Also Read:

1.BBMP launches Aadhaar-based online system for automatic eKhata mutation service

2.Bengaluru: BWSSB to host citywide Water Adalat on August 14