Context:

The Supreme Court has directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to relocate all stray dogs to dedicated shelters, emphasizing that they should not be released back onto the streets. This order comes after a report by the amicus curiae, which had highlighted the fundamental right of humans to move freely without fear of dog bites or assault.

Amicus Curiae Report:

• The amicus report emphasized that the presence of stray dogs on streets and public places infringes upon the fundamental rights of humans under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee the right to move freely and the right to life, respectively
• His report criticized the 2023 Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which classify stray dogs as “community animals” and mandate their return to original habitats post-sterilization.
• The report pointed out that unlike India; most developed countries do not have stray dogs roaming public places. It emphasized that streets, airports, and railway stations should be free from stray dogs to ensure public safety. The 2023 ABC Rules were seen as prioritizing the stray dogs’ “rights” over human rights, which the amicus deemed unacceptable.

Key Points of the Order:

• The Supreme Court has ordered the relocation of stray dogs from public spaces to dedicated shelters, citing the need to prioritize public safety and health.
• The court has specifically directed that stray dogs should not be released back onto the streets after capture, emphasizing the importance of preventing potential harm to humans.
• The court has also recommended implementing CCTV monitoring and establishing a helpline to address dog bite complaints and facilitate prompt action.

Why this order is important:

·        Dog Bite Cases: According to government data, there were 37,15,713 reported dog bites across the country in 2024, with 25,201 dog bites in Delhi alone.

·        Increase in Dog Bites: The report noted a 50% increase in dog bite cases in Delhi from January 2024 to January 2025, highlighting the growing concern around stray dog management.

Concerns:

·        Animal welfare organizations, such as PETA India, have expressed concerns about the order, citing potential cruelty and ineffectiveness in addressing the stray dog issue.

·        Experts have highlighted the challenges in implementing the order, including the need for adequate shelter infrastructure and resources to manage the large number of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s order and the amicus report represent a significant shift in India’s approach to stray dog management, affirming that human safety and fundamental rights cannot be compromised. The directive calls for urgent and practical solutions to ensure streets remain safe for all citizens, while still respecting animal welfare through dedicated shelters and adoption initiatives.