
Eight weeks to relocate all stray dogs
The Indian government said in April that nearly 430,000 cases of dog bites had been reported across the country in January, compared with 3.7 million cases all through 2024.
India has 52.5 million stray dogs, according to a State of Pet Homelessness survey by Mars Petcare, while eight million homeless dogs are in shelters.
Local media reports suggest that Delhi alone has one million stray dogs.
India's top court took up the case after several reports in local media of stray dogs biting children in Delhi.
On Monday, Live Law reported that the court has asked authorities in Delhi to pick up stray dogs from across the city and move them to dog shelters.
Solicitor-General of India Tushar Mehta, for the Delhi government, urged for strong intervention as 'sterilisation only prevents the increase in their population, but it does not take away the power of the dogs to give rabies,' the website reported.
However, the move has drawn criticism from conservationists over its implementation.
'Where are the shelters to house thousands of dogs?' conservation biologist Bahar Dutt said in a post on X, calling the top court's order an 'impractical unscientific move'.
'We need mass vaccination and mass sterilisation – the only humane, proven ways to reduce conflicts,' Vidit Sharma, founder of animal welfare organisation Save A Stray, said on X. — Reuters

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Eight weeks to relocate all stray dogs
The top court ordered authorities in the capital Delhi and its suburbs to relocate all stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks, according to the Live Law website, after media reports of a rise in cases of rabies, especially among children. The Indian government said in April that nearly 430,000 cases of dog bites had been reported across the country in January, compared with 3.7 million cases all through 2024. India has 52.5 million stray dogs, according to a State of Pet Homelessness survey by Mars Petcare, while eight million homeless dogs are in shelters. Local media reports suggest that Delhi alone has one million stray dogs. India's top court took up the case after several reports in local media of stray dogs biting children in Delhi. On Monday, Live Law reported that the court has asked authorities in Delhi to pick up stray dogs from across the city and move them to dog shelters. Solicitor-General of India Tushar Mehta, for the Delhi government, urged for strong intervention as 'sterilisation only prevents the increase in their population, but it does not take away the power of the dogs to give rabies,' the website reported. However, the move has drawn criticism from conservationists over its implementation. 'Where are the shelters to house thousands of dogs?' conservation biologist Bahar Dutt said in a post on X, calling the top court's order an 'impractical unscientific move'. 'We need mass vaccination and mass sterilisation – the only humane, proven ways to reduce conflicts,' Vidit Sharma, founder of animal welfare organisation Save A Stray, said on X. — Reuters


The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
India's top court orders Delhi authorities to move stray dogs to shelters
Dogs walk on empty roads, on the second day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, September 10, 2023. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/File Photo NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India's top court ordered authorities in the capital Delhi and its suburbs on Monday to relocate all stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks, according to the Live Law website, after media reports of a rise in cases of rabies, especially among children. The Indian government said in April that nearly 430,000 cases of dog bites had been reported across the country in January, compared with 3.7 million cases all through 2024. India has 52.5 million stray dogs, according to a State of Pet Homelessness survey by Mars Petcare, while 8 million homeless dogs are in shelters. Local media reports suggest that Delhi alone has 1 million stray dogs. Reuters could not independently verify the number. India's top court took up the case after several reports in local media of stray dogs biting children in Delhi, with some turning fatal. On Monday, Live Law reported that the court has asked authorities in Delhi to pick up stray dogs from across the city and move them to dog shelters. "Infants and young children, should not at any cost, fall prey to rabies. The action should inspire confidence that they can move freely without fear of being bitten by stray dogs. No sentiment should be involved," the court said, according to Live Law website. Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, for the Delhi government, urged for strong intervention as "sterilisation only prevents the increase in their population, but it does not take away the power of the dogs to give rabies," the website reported. However, the move has drawn criticism from conservationists over its implementation. "Where are the shelters to house thousands of dogs?" conservation biologist Bahar Dutt said in a post on X, calling the top court's order an "impractical unscientific move". "We need mass vaccination & mass sterilization — the only humane, proven ways to reduce conflicts," Vidit Sharma, founder of animal welfare organization Save A Stray, said on X. (Reporting by Tanvi Mehta, Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)


The Sun
05-08-2025
- The Sun
Beauty secrets passed down
THERE is an overflow of high-tech skincare and TikTok beauty trends right now. It is easy to forget that some of the most effective beauty rituals do not come from a lab, but from our grandmothers' kitchens. Across generations and continents, natural remedies using humble ingredients have stood the test of time. Many of these traditions are backed by science and adored by modern beauty lovers for their affordability and results. Here is a closer look at seven beloved beauty hacks that continue to glow in the age of serums and sheet masks. Turmeric If there is one ingredient that truly embodies ancient beauty wisdom, it is turmeric. Used in South Asian cultures for centuries, this golden spice is known not only for its medicinal properties but also for its skin-loving benefits. Traditionally, brides in India and Sri Lanka undergo a haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste is applied to their skin before the wedding to give them a natural glow. Packed with curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory, turmeric helps reduce acne and brighten dull skin. Mix a pinch of turmeric with plain yogurt or honey to make a quick face mask. Leave it on for 10 minutes but be warned, too much turmeric can leave a yellow tint, so go light. Rice water Long before toners came in sleek bottles, East Asian women were rinsing their faces and hair with rice water. In Japan and Korea, rice water was known as the secret to luminous skin even women in the imperial courts used it. Rice water is rich in amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins B and E, all of which help brighten and soften the skin. Soak a half cup of rice in two cups of water for 30 minutes, strain it and use the water as a facial rinse or toner. It keeps well in the fridge for up to five days. Coconut oil Coconut oil has been used for centuries in tropical cultures not just for cooking, but also for nourishing hair and skin. In many parts of South India and Southeast Asia, it is a weekly ritual to massage warm coconut oil into the scalp for glossy, healthy hair. Its antibacterial and moisturising properties also make it a brilliant skin salve and makeup remover. Use cold-pressed coconut oil as an overnight hair mask or rub a small amount into dry elbows, heels and cuticles. For dry skin days, a pea-sized amount works wonders on the face too. Chickpea flour In Indian households, chickpea flour is used not only in cooking but also in beauty rituals. When mixed with ingredients such as turmeric, milk or lemon juice, it becomes a powerful exfoliant that cleanses the skin and controls excess oil. Used by generations of South Asian women, especially during traditional bridal prep, this is a must-try for anyone looking to smooth and brighten their complexion naturally. Mix two tablespoons of chickpea flour with a pinch of turmeric and enough milk or rose water to form a paste. Apply to the face and let it dry before gently rinsing off with warm water. Aloe vera Aloe vera is the go-to remedy for sunburns, but its benefits go far beyond just soothing inflamed skin. Used in African, Middle Eastern and Indian cultures for centuries, fresh aloe gel is packed with vitamins, enzymes and hydration. It is ideal for treating acne and cooling irritated skin especially during hot, humid months. Scoop the gel straight from a fresh aloe vera leaf and apply it to clean skin. Store the gel in the fridge for an extra-cooling effect on sizzling hot days. Rose water Few things feel as luxurious and timeless as rose water. Used widely across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, rose water has been treasured for its hydrating and calming properties. It reduces redness and adds a gentle floral fragrance. It is also spiritually tied to ritual cleansing and self-care. Use it as a facial mist throughout the day or pour a little onto a cotton pad to tone the skin after cleansing. Cucumber cools tired eyes, reducing puffiness and adding instant freshness. – PEXELSPIC Cucumber There is a reason spa advertisements always show cucumber slices over the eyes. Packed with water and vitamin C, cucumbers are cooling and anti-inflammatory, making them great for de-puffing swollen eyes and refreshing tired skin. Slice a chilled cucumber and place two slices over your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. It is a simple trick that instantly refreshes especially after a late night or a long day in front of screens. These time-honoured remedies remind us that the simplest solutions often come from nature. Often, the best beauty rituals are rooted in care and patience.