Supreme Court reserves verdict on Delhi-NCR stray dogs case – Key updates and public reaction

Time of India

3 days ago

Supreme Court on stray dogs: The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the ongoing Delhi-NCR stray dogs case after a hearing on Thursday, 14 August. The matter relates to a plea challenging the earlier court order issued on 11 August, which directed the relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to shelter homes.
Background of the Stray Dogs Controversy
On 11 August, a two-judge bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan observed that the rising number of dog bite incidents had created an 'extremely grim' situation. They ordered the permanent relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR 'at the earliest.' This decision triggered strong opposition from animal rights groups and residents.
Following these protests, the case came before a three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, which decided to reserve the order after hearing multiple sides of the argument.
Court's Concerns Over Inaction by Authorities
During Thursday's hearing, the Supreme Court pointed out that the root cause of the issue lies in the inaction of local authorities in implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
The bench remarked, 'Rules are made by the Parliament, but they are not being enforced. This lack of implementation has created a situation where humans are suffering from attacks, while animal lovers are concerned about the welfare of dogs.'
The court stressed the need for a balanced approach to protect both public safety and animal welfare.
Withdrawal of Suo Motu Case
On 13 August, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai withdrew the suo motu case on stray dogs from the bench of Justices Pardiwala and Mahadevan. This allowed fresh hearings before a different bench.
Government and NGO Arguments
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, criticised some individuals who publicly claim to be animal lovers but engage in contradictory behaviour.
Meanwhile, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for an NGO dedicated to dog welfare, called the situation 'very serious' and sought an immediate stay on the 11 August order.
PETA India's Stand
The Indian branch of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) strongly opposed the order, labelling it 'impractical, illogical, and illegal.' They warned that removing community dogs from their natural surroundings could lead to 'chaos and suffering' for both the animals and residents.
People's Reaction to the Supreme Court's Stray Dog Order
The Supreme Court's order has sparked mixed reactions among citizens:
One social media user commented, 'Whether someone eats chicken or not has nothing to do with their right to care for stray dogs. Compassion is not an all-or-nothing equation. You can consume meat and still believe in humane treatment of animals.'
Another person expressed both relief and concern, saying, 'Happy and sad at the same time. Why not extend the ban to all strays, including cows?'
A traveller shared, 'I've been to France, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, America, Russia, UAE, Israel, Sri Lanka, and many other countries, but I never saw street dogs there. Is there more love for them only in India?'
A neutral perspective came from one user suggesting, 'Both sides are wrong. The best solution is to neuter and vaccinate dogs while building proper shelters for their gradual removal from the streets.'
Another user explained, 'A reserved order means the judge has finished hearing arguments but will take time to write and deliver the final judgment later.'
What Happens Next?
With the order now reserved, the Supreme Court will take time to review the case details before delivering its final decision. This judgment is expected to have a significant impact on Delhi-NCR stray dog management policies, influencing both public safety and animal welfare in the region.
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