Why in news?
In August 2025 the Supreme Court of India directed authorities in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad to capture all stray dogs and keep them permanently in shelters. The court acted in response to rising dog‑bite incidents and rabies deaths.
Background
India has a large population of free‑roaming dogs. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules emphasise sterilisation and vaccination but allow dogs to be released back into their territories. Frequent attacks, especially on children and the elderly, led to petitions seeking stronger measures.
Court directions
- Municipal bodies must capture all free‑ranging dogs in the specified cities and keep them in shelters. Release back into streets is prohibited.
- Authorities must build facilities capable of housing around 5,000 dogs within eight weeks to prevent overcrowding.
- A 24×7 helpline should respond to complaints of dog bites within four hours. Obstruction of the removal process could invite contempt of court.
Rationale and debates
The order is grounded in the state’s duty to protect public health. Rabies kills thousands of Indians annually, with most cases linked to dog bites. Supporters argue that permanent removal will reduce attacks and safeguard vulnerable populations. Critics contend that mass confinement is impractical, may cause animal suffering and fails to address root causes such as waste management and responsible pet ownership.
Ethical considerations
Balancing human safety with animal welfare is an ethical challenge. Long‑term solutions may include stricter pet licensing, better waste disposal to reduce stray populations, widespread vaccination of dogs and humane adoption programmes.