India's highest court has delivered a stern rebuke to Delhi authorities over their failure to address the capital's growing stray dog population, demanding immediate action to protect both animals and residents.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice JK Maheshwari, expressed profound frustration with the Delhi government's years of inaction, stating the situation required urgent intervention rather than endless bureaucratic delays.
Capital's Canine Crisis Reaches Boiling Point
With an estimated street dog population exceeding 60,000 across the National Capital Territory, Delhi faces increasing conflicts between humans and animals. The court highlighted the pressing need for proper shelter facilities to humanely manage the situation.
"The problem is there. You have to solve it," the bench bluntly told government representatives during the hearing.
Long-Standing Neglect Comes Under Fire
The judicial intervention comes after multiple failed deadlines and unfulfilled promises from municipal authorities. The court specifically criticised the lack of progress on establishing adequate shelter homes despite previous directives.
Animal welfare activists have long argued that proper shelter facilities would not only protect dogs but also reduce human-dog conflicts through systematic vaccination, sterilisation, and care programmes.
Public Health and Safety Concerns
The court's intervention addresses growing public health concerns, including the risk of rabies transmission and increasing incidents of dog bites. Proper shelter management would enable comprehensive vaccination programmes that protect both animals and the community.
Experts suggest that well-managed shelter homes could significantly reduce the street dog population over time through systematic sterilisation efforts.
Government Given Final Opportunity
The Supreme Court has granted the Delhi government a final opportunity to present a concrete action plan, making it clear that further delays will not be tolerated. The bench emphasised that animal welfare is a fundamental duty under the Indian Constitution.
The case represents a significant moment in India's ongoing struggle to balance urban development with animal welfare concerns in rapidly growing cities.
