SC order on stray dogs: The staggering cost of sheltering Delhi's street canines
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court's order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR has drawn mixed reactions — with victims' families backing it, while animal lovers, including several celebrities and politicians, have urged the top court to revoke it.
Also Read | 'Flaw in our system': Shashi Tharoor weighs in on SC dog relocation order; urges redirection of funds to NGOs
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed the Delhi government and civic bodies in Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad to remove all street canines and house them in shelters, which must deploy sufficient personnel for sterilisation and immunisation.
The judges also warned that any obstruction by individuals or organisations could invite strict action, including contempt of court proceedings.
Former Union minister and noted animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi has criticised the Supreme Court's order, calling it 'not a doable' one.
'This is a very strange judgment given by someone who is in anger — and angry judgments are never sensible. There is not a single government-run shelter in Delhi. In how many shelters would you put so many dogs?' Gandhi said after Monday's ruling.
But what would it actually cost to take every stray dog off the streets of Delhi-NCR?
How many stray dogs in Delhi-NCR?
Estimates suggest that the national capital could have as many as 10 lakh strays.
According to Municipal Corporation of Delhi data, 26,334 dog bite cases have been reported so far this year, compared to 68,090 cases in 2024, news agency PTI reported.
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'Delhi govt lacks funds to build dog shelters'
Animal activists estimate that housing this many dogs could cost the Delhi government a staggering Rs 10,000 crore — money it simply does not have.
'First, the government will have to find 1,000, or maybe 2,000, centres because you can't put so many dogs together — they'll fight. So they'll need to find land first. Then, building each centre would cost at least Rs 4-5 crore, since every facility will require caretakers, feeders, and watchmen,' a dog lover told PTI.
One suggestion has been to use uninhabited areas to house the dogs. However, dismissing relocation as an option, the person called it 'illogical, illegal, impractical, and inhumane,' noting that it would be impossible to move nearly 8 lakh dogs.
Rajasthan, Madras high courts on stray dogs
In a
directive
coinciding with the Supreme Court ruling, the Rajasthan high court asked municipal authorities statewide to remove all stray dogs, cattle and other animals from public places, taking care to ensure they aren't harmed during the relocation.
Municipalities are authorised to file FIRs against those impeding govt staff executing orders. The bench said strict law enforcement was imperative to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain public order and sought a detailed report before the next hearing, scheduled for September 8.
The Madras high court has recommended implementing the Supreme Court's order in Tamil Nadu as well.
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