The Supreme Court of India is set to deliver its verdict on August 22, 2025, regarding the relocation of stray dogs from streets to designated shelters in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The case stems from a suo motu action initiated on July 28 following media reports on rising rabies cases caused by dog bites, particularly affecting children in the national capital.

On August 11, 2025, a two-judge bench of the SC, comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, issued directives for authorities in Delhi-NCR to remove stray dogs “at the earliest” and relocate them to shelters. The order included immediate establishment of facilities to accommodate 5,000 dogs initially and warned of strict action against anyone obstructing the process. Compliance reports were to be submitted within eight weeks.

The directive sparked nationwide debate and widespread protests by animal welfare groups. Following this, a special three-judge bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria, heard interim pleas on August 14 seeking to stay some of the earlier directions. The bench noted that the stray dog issue largely resulted from the “inaction” of local authorities in implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, including sterilisation and immunisation of street dogs.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, presented data highlighting 37.15 lakh dog bite cases in 2024, averaging nearly 10,000 cases per day. He also referenced reports from the World Health Organisation indicating 305 deaths from dog bites in the same year. Lawyers representing several organisations urged the court to consider a temporary hold on some of the SC’s directions, citing concerns over animal welfare and implementation challenges.

Meanwhile, animal activist groups and NGOs have announced plans to hold a live screening of the Supreme Court hearing at Jantar Mantar starting from 10 am. These groups have been actively protesting the SC order and are seeking to raise awareness about humane treatment and welfare of stray dogs, while emphasizing proper implementation of ABC Rules.

The verdict is expected to have a significant impact on animal welfare policies, public safety, and urban management strategies in Delhi-NCR. The case highlights the ongoing tension between public health concerns due to dog bite incidents and rabies and animal rights activism focused on humane treatment and protection of stray animals.

As the nation awaits the SC’s decision, the outcome will determine how authorities balance relocation measures, shelter capacity, sterilisation programs, and the welfare of Delhi-NCR’s stray dog population, while also addressing public safety concerns. The judgment is being closely monitored by both government agencies and animal welfare advocates, reflecting the complex interplay of legal, social, and ethical considerations in managing urban stray dog populations.

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