Supreme Court Slams Authorities Over Stray Dog Menace in Delhi-NCR, Orders Immediate Action

New Delhi, August 11 (TNA) The Supreme Court on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the rising threat posed by stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and issued strict directives to civic bodies and local administrations. The bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan ordered authorities to capture, sterilise, and shelter stray dogs, warning that any individual or organisation obstructing such action would face legal consequences.

Taking suo motu cognisance after multiple incidents of dog attacks and rabies cases, the court directed the NCT of Delhi, MCD, and NDMC to immediately launch capture drives, especially in high-risk areas. Local bodies must report within eight weeks on the creation of shelters and maintain daily records of captured dogs, ensuring none are released back onto the streets.

The court stressed that sterilised dogs must not be returned to colonies and urged swift action within four hours of complaints. It also ordered a full report on rabies vaccine availability and directed the establishment of a public helpline within a week to report dog bite cases.

The bench emphasised public safety, stating newborns and young children must be protected at all costs. Justice Pardiwala criticised the current practice of releasing sterilised dogs back to their original locations, calling it “illogical and meaningless.” The court warned of strict action if negligence continues.