Public Divided Over Supreme Court Order to Relocate Stray Dogs to Shelters in Delhi-NCR

A recent Supreme Court ruling directing authorities to remove all stray dogs from the streets of Delhi and the NCR and house them in shelters has stirred significant public debate. While some citizens have welcomed the order citing rising cases of dog bites and rabies, others—including animal lovers and activists—have voiced strong concerns about its practicality and ethical implications.

Many people in Delhi have witnessed dangerous encounters with stray dogs, including children being bitten and an increase in road accidents attributed to their presence. Supporters of the court’s decision argue that sterilizing dogs and moving them to well-equipped shelters will help control their population and minimize risks. “Just as zoos exist for other animals, shelters for dogs are a good idea. It should not just be humans who get to enjoy city spaces in safety,” commented one resident. Others agreed, stating that regular sterilization and vaccination, followed by sheltering, is a humane approach if the facilities are well-managed with proper food and care.

However, a contrasting view has also emerged. Critics argue that removing stray dogs from the streets is not only inhumane but also impractical. “We’re not doing enough for women’s safety, yet we’re ready to lock up voiceless animals who sometimes keep neighborhoods safer,” said a dog lover. “If you round up all the stray dogs and put them in shelters, is there enough space? Will all the shelters provide enough food and care? At least on the streets, some people feed them and they can find food.”

Another point raised by several citizens is that blaming dogs alone is unfair; if dog attacks justify shelters, then, jokingly, “shouldn’t there be shelters for violent humans too?” Some noted that dogs also play a role in neighborhood safety and that the existing shelters are generally ill-equipped or have limited capacity, mainly serving treatment needs rather than long-term care.

Experts and activists, including prominent animal rights supporter and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, have called the Supreme Court’s order impractical without a long-term plan. “Building enough shelters will take at least 1.5 to 2 years. The current animal shelters are not prepared to house so many dogs,” one activist warned. Instead, they advocate for large-scale sterilization, vaccination, and managed feeding zones as a more sustainable solution.

The division of opinions highlights the complexity of the issue. While some insist that moving stray dogs will protect the public and reduce accidents and bites, others warn of the negative consequences for the animals and skepticism regarding proper implementation. As the debate continues, many await clearer plans and guidelines before any mass actions are taken.

What do you think about the Supreme Court’s decision on stray dogs? Let us know in the comments.