New Delhi, August 11, 2025 — In a landmark ruling aimed at tackling the rising menace of stray dog attacks and rabies deaths, the Supreme Court today directed civic authorities in Delhi-NCR to remove all stray dogs from residential localities and shift them to dedicated shelters. The order comes after alarming reports of fatal rabies cases and increasing incidents of dog bites in the region.

The bench, comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, took up the matter suo motu after noting media reports on the surge in attacks. “We are not doing this for us, it is for public interest. No sentiments of any nature should be involved,” Justice Pardiwala said during the hearing.

Immediate Action Mandated
The court instructed civic bodies across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram to begin rounding up stray dogs—both sterilised and unsterilised—without delay. “Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to shelters. For the time being, forget the rules,” Justice Pardiwala told amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwala.

Authorities have been ordered to construct secure shelters equipped with trained handlers, sterilisation and vaccination facilities, and CCTV surveillance to prevent escapes. The court further mandated that no stray dog be released back into the streets, warning of stern action if violations occur.

A helpline must also be set up for citizens to report dog bite cases, and authorities were told to maintain detailed public records of rabies vaccine availability, stock levels, and monthly treatment data.

No Adoptions, No Interference
When the possibility of adopting stray dogs was raised, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the idea, expressing concerns that adopters might later abandon them. The bench ruled that adoption would not be allowed, ensuring no obstacle to the relocation process.

The court also made it clear that it would hear arguments only from the Centre and not from dog lovers or activist groups, some of whom had earlier obtained stay orders halting relocation. “All these animal activists, will they be able to bring back those who have fallen prey to rabies? We need to make streets absolutely free of stray dogs,” the bench remarked.

Strict Action for Obstruction
Civic bodies have been empowered to form dedicated forces if necessary to execute the order. Anyone attempting to block the exercise will face contempt of court proceedings. “This should be the first and foremost exercise to make all localities free of stray dogs. There should not be any compromise,” the bench emphasised.

A Growing Health Crisis
According to Municipal Corporation of Delhi data, 49 rabies cases and over 35,000 animal bite incidents were reported in the capital between January and June this year. Rabies, primarily transmitted through dog bites, has an almost 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear. The World Health Organization estimates that India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths—about 60,000 lives annually worldwide.

The Delhi government has assured the court of timely compliance with its directives. The next hearing will review progress reports from civic authorities on shelter construction, vaccination, and removal of strays from vulnerable areas.