The Supreme Court of India has directed officials to pick up stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR within eight weeks and move them to designated dog shelters. The decision has sparked mixed reactions from political leaders, civic bodies and residents.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi voiced concern over the order, acknowledging the ongoing human-dog conflict but stressing the need for shelter homes and facilities for strays.
“The Supreme Court has passed the order, but there should have been an understanding of the need for basic arrangements for strays. Now, an innocent being who cannot speak for themselves will suffer the consequences,” she posted on X.
Residents’ Welfare Associations Welcome Move
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Many Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) have supported the decision, citing the rise in dog bite incidents. Atul Goyal, president of United Resident Joint Action (URJA), said the order could help reduce such cases. He also urged authorities to address the issue of stray cattle on roads, which are causing injuries and traffic disruptions.
Delhi Mayor Backs Supreme Court’s Directive
Delhi Mayor Iqbal Singh welcomed the order, acknowledging that residents were facing “a lot of problems” due to stray dogs. He stated that while the city currently lacks dedicated shelter homes, it has 10 operational sterilisation centres. Temporary and permanent shelters could be created, he said, adding that the MCD and Delhi government would prepare an action plan after officer-level meetings.
CM Promises Planned and Systematic Policy
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the stray dog situation as having reached gigantic proportions. She assured that her government would soon implement a comprehensive, systematic policy in line with the Supreme Court’s directive to address the problem.
