Srinagar: In a landmark ruling aimed at tackling the growing menace of stray dog attacks, the Supreme Court of India on Monday directed the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to begin removing stray dogs from all localities in the national capital without delay. The Bench, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, said the exercise should be uncompromising and prioritised in vulnerable areas.
The Court also ordered the creation of dedicated dog shelters within eight weeks, equipped with sufficient staff for sterilisation and immunisation, and monitored by CCTV. Authorities have been told to maintain daily records of captured dogs, set up a helpline within a week to report dog bites, and ensure no stray is released back into the streets.
Warning of contempt proceedings against individuals or organisations obstructing the drive, the Bench criticised certain animal rights activists for derailing earlier removal plans. “Will these activists be able to bring back those who have fallen prey to rabies?” the judges asked, underscoring that the directives were issued purely in public interest.
The Court’s intervention follows a spate of rabies deaths and severe injuries from dog attacks in Delhi and surrounding regions. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, conveyed the gratitude of parents of victim children and highlighted that earlier relocation plans had been stalled due to activist litigation.
Will J&K government action now?
The ruling is likely to resonate strongly in Jammu & Kashmir, where stray dog attacks have become a persistent public safety issue. In many areas, children are unable to walk to school without fear, while women and the elderly often avoid venturing out due to roaming packs of dogs. Official data and anecdotal reports point to a steady rise in dog bite incidents and rabies cases across the Valley, with healthcare systems struggling to keep up with vaccine demand.
Public health experts and civic activists in Kashmir say the J&K administration should draw lessons from the Supreme Court’s directives and adopt similar measures — including strict capture protocols, dedicated shelters, and faster response systems — to protect citizens.
The matter will be reviewed by the apex court again in six weeks.
1 COMMENT
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Hood before God who is superior among livingds to Santanis all are equal . Human spines are more eabit than any other living moreover it neither produce except own offspring besides devastate biodiversity more dangerous than parasite brain eating.
Take care of them.