The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict in the high-profile case over the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi NCR, a dispute that has sparked nationwide debate and street protests.
On Thursday, August 14, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria heard arguments from both sides before holding back its final decision. The case reached the three-judge bench after Chief Justice BR Gavai agreed to urgently list it, following concerns over an earlier directive issued on August 11. That order, passed by a two-judge bench, instructed authorities to round up all stray dogs, beginning with 5,000 in the next six to eight weeks and move them to shelters, with no possibility of releasing them back to the streets.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioners, called for the order to be put on hold, warning that large-scale confinement could lead to cruelty, unnecessary culling, and unintended health risks.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the relocation plan, citing alarming statistics: &ldquo;Thirty-seven lakhs a year, 10,000 per day. This is dog bites. Rabies deaths mounting to be 305 deaths for the same year, WHO&rsquo;s modelling shows a much higher number. There is a very loud vocal minority and silent suffering majority. Nobody is an animal hater.&rdquo;
Animal welfare groups countered that humane, long-term measures such as sterilisation, vaccination, and community-based care would be more effective and less disruptive.
The August 11 ruling triggered immediate protests in Delhi, with activists and dog lovers gathering near India Gate, where several were detained. Political leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Varun Gandhi, and Maneka Gandhi also condemned the blanket removal order. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote: &ldquo;Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted and strip us of compassion. We can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has already begun implementing the order, seizing over 100 stray dogs and repurposing 20 Animal Birth Control centres as shelters. An 85-acre plot in Ghoga Dairy, outer Delhi, has been identified for large-scale facilities, with more land under review. MCD Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh said aggressive and rabies-infected dogs will be relocated first.
The Supreme Court&rsquo;s eventual ruling could redefine how India&rsquo;s capital manages its stray dog population,&nbsp; potentially setting a precedent for balancing public safety with compassion and animal rights.

SC Reserves Order in Stray Dog Relocation Row

Debate heats up in SC over Delhi NCR stray dog relocation amid protests and safety concern

SC Reserves Order in Stray Dog Relocation Row

Debate heats up in SC over Delhi NCR stray dog relocation amid protests and safety concern

August 14, 2025 | 18:55 IST