Supreme Court Order to Remove Stray Dogs from Delhi-NCR Streets Sparks Sharp Reactions

The Supreme Court’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR within eight weeks has split public opinion, with Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) calling it a “relief” and animal rights groups denouncing it as “illogical” and “impractical.”

The order, issued Monday, instructs authorities to house the dogs in newly created shelters. RWAs, including the United Resident Joint Action (URJA), welcomed the move, citing rising dog bite cases. Delhi Mayor Iqbal Singh said the civic body would work with the state government to implement the order, while Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta promised a “planned and systematic” policy.

Animal rights organisations, including PETA India and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO), warned the order would cause “chaos and suffering” for both animals and residents. Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi called it “financially unviable” and “unworkable,” estimating the cost at ₹15,000 crore.

The court, hearing a suo motu case on dog bites, ruled that no stray canines will be released back and warned of action against anyone obstructing their removal.