In a decisive move to address the growing number of stray dog attacks in the Delhi-NCR region, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered that all stray dogs be relocated to designated shelter homes. The directive comes after a series of incidents, including rabies-related deaths, raised concerns over public safety, particularly for children and the elderly.
A bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan was hearing a suo motu case triggered by media reports of rising fatalities. “We are not doing this for us, it is for the public interest. So, no sentiments of any nature should be involved. Action should be taken at the earliest,” Justice Pardiwala said.
The court instructed amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwala to ensure dogs are picked up from all localities and moved to far-off shelter sites, even if that means bypassing standard rules temporarily. “Let’s look at reality, we need to round up dogs by whatever means to ensure dog-free localities, and that’s how children and the aged will feel safe,” the bench noted.
Justice Pardiwala, referencing the classic film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, remarked: “When you want to shoot, shoot, don’t talk. It’s not the time to talk but act. All these so-called animal lovers, will they be able to bring back those children who have given their lives?”
The Solicitor General informed the court that while a relocation site in Delhi had been identified, the plan was stalled due to a stay order obtained by animal rights activists. The court has now directed the Delhi government, MCD, and NDMC to set up dog shelters equipped with adequate staff, sterilisation, and immunisation facilities, along with CCTV monitoring, within eight weeks.
Earlier this month, the MCD had announced plans to upgrade animal birth control centres and launch zone-wise anti-rabies awareness drives.
In the end, we hope the government ensures that these relocations are carried out with love, affection, and care, rather than in a brutal manner. Although the decision has been taken in the public interest, the manner of its execution will reflect our values as a society.
