On August 14, 2025, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment on an interim plea seeking to stay the August 11 directive ordering the capture and relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi NCR to shelters within 8 weeks. The hearing was conducted by a three-judge bench (Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N. V. Anjaria), which stepped in after the initial two-judge order faced legal challenges.
During the proceedings, the court sharply criticised municipal bodies for their inaction, highlighting that the stray dog issue was primarily a result of administrative failures. Authorities were reproached for not adequately implementing sterilisation and vaccination under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2001/2023.
The order had sparked strong reactions: while many Delhi-NCR residents expressed support, citing safety concerns and dog-bite incidents, animal welfare advocates raised serious concerns. Critics, including PETA India and caregiving organisations, argued that the blanket relocation was logistically impractical, financially unsustainable (with an estimated cost of around ₹15,000 crore), and ecologically harmful, potentially leading to overcrowded shelters and disrupted urban ecosystems.
As the court deliberates, the nation awaits a ruling that must strike a balance between public safety and humane, scientifically sound strategies for managing Delhi’s stray dog population.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-hearing-on-stray-dogs-live-updates-august-14-2025/article69931440.eceStray dogs row hearing in Supreme Court highlights: Order reserved on plea to stay directive for rounding up strays and placing them in shelters – The Hindu