Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday, August 13, assured the Supreme Court will revisit its recent directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets and place them in shelters within eight weeks. The announcement comes after a wave of criticism from animal rights groups, citizens, and public figures.
The order, passed by a bench led by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, was aimed at curbing dog bite incidents and mandated that no captured dog—sterilised or not—be returned to public areas. Authorities were instructed to create shelters, install CCTV cameras, improve vaccination and sterilisation facilities, and operate a 24/7 dog-bite helpline. The bench warned of contempt action against anyone obstructing the process.
Activists have denounced the ruling as “unscientific and inhumane,” arguing it violates the Animal Birth Control Rules, which require sterilised and vaccinated dogs to be returned to their original locations. Bollywood actor John Abraham also wrote to the CJI, calling the relocation “impractical” and urging its withdrawal.
In court, a lawyer highlighted a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that barred indiscriminate relocation or killing of community dogs. Responding, CJI Gavai said, “I will look into this.” No date for a fresh hearing has been set.
