Date of Order: 11 August 2025
Bench: Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan
Introduction
In a significant and contentious development, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the removal of all stray dogs from public spaces in Delhi-NCR within eight weeks, directing their permanent relocation to animal shelters. The Court has further warned that any obstruction to this order will attract penal consequences, including contempt of court.
This ruling has sparked a nationwide debate, with strong opinions on both sides – balancing the safety of citizens against the principles of animal welfare – while also raising questions on judicial consistency and adherence to statutory frameworks.
Background – The Existing Legal Framework
India’s stray dog management has, for decades, been guided by the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The ABC model is based on:
- Sterilisation of stray dogs
- Anti-rabies vaccination
- Release back into their original territorial area
In 2024, the Supreme Court upheld this framework, clearly stating that relocation or culling is prohibited except in exceptional circumstances. That judgment reinforced compassion and humane treatment as constitutional values under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India.
The August 2025 Directive
The recent suo motu order of the Supreme Court requires:
- Complete removal of stray dogs from streets within eight weeks
- Permanent housing in animal shelters without return to their original areas
- Penal action, including contempt proceedings, for any obstruction
The Court justified its intervention by citing:
- Rising incidents of dog bites in Delhi-NCR
- Increasing rabies cases
- Alleged inefficiency of sterilisation programmes in protecting human life
Key Points of Contention
1. Legal Conflict
The order appears to contradict both the ABC Rules and the 2024 Supreme Court judgment. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai has publicly acknowledged the existence of conflicting apex court orders and indicated that a larger bench may soon review the matter.
2. Practical Feasibility
Delhi is estimated to have nearly one million stray dogs. Implementing the directive would require:
- Thousands of additional shelters
- Substantial veterinary facilities
- Continuous funding for long-term care
At present, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi operates only about 20 shelters with a capacity for fewer than 5,000 dogs – far below the required infrastructure.
3. Animal Welfare Concerns
Animal rights advocates argue that mass relocation would:
- Overcrowd shelters beyond humane capacity
- Cause trauma and higher mortality rates among dogs
- Disrupt ecological balance, potentially increasing disease spread
They maintain that the ABC model remains the only humane and sustainable approach, and view the new directive as a step backward.
Public and Political Reactions
The ruling has received strong reactions from different quarters:
- Political leaders – Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Maneka Gandhi have called the order inhumane
- Celebrities – Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Vir Das have described it as a “death warrant” for street dogs
- Public opinion – Divided between those demanding strict action against aggressive strays and those advocating coexistence through sterilisation programmes
Legal and Policy Implications
- Judicial Consistency – Conflicting rulings from the Supreme Court have created uncertainty for enforcement agencies and NGOs
- Statutory Compliance – The ABC Rules, being statutory in nature, continue to hold force unless expressly set aside
- Balancing Rights – The order raises complex constitutional questions on balancing the right to life and safety under Article 21 with the constitutional mandate of compassion toward living creatures
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s August 2025 ruling represents a marked policy shift from humane coexistence toward prioritising human safety. However, without the necessary infrastructure and clear legal reconciliation with existing rules, the implementation may face significant practical challenges and legal scrutiny.
With the likelihood of review by a larger bench, the final decision could reshape India’s stray dog management framework for years to come. Until then, municipal authorities, animal welfare bodies, and citizens remain in a legal and ethical limbo, navigating the delicate balance between safety and compassion.