On 14th August, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court gave directions on the stray dog issue in Delhi. The Court asked the municipal corporation to arrange shelters or pounds for stray dogs within eight weeks. The order was opposed by animal lovers, especially dog lovers, who protested on the streets, saying that stray dogs should not be treated in this way. Many people, including NGOs, feed community dogs, but the Court pointed out that they cannot be allowed to bite people and spread rabies.
The Court also said this matter should not be dragged into long disputes but resolved quickly. Dog bite cases are rising, with nearly 10,000 cases and some deaths reported. Goa too has seen dog bites, including the death of a small child. The Court stressed that its decision was based on logic and public safety, not emotion. It criticised municipal bodies and animal husbandry departments for failing to sterilise and control the stray dog population. According to the Court, only proper shelters can reduce bites, rabies cases, and deaths.
Animal welfare groups continue to argue under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, but the Court clarified it is not against dogs. It said that while some voices defend strays, the majority of people silently suffer from rising attacks and cannot be ignored. The decision, the Court said, is not against dog lovers but is meant to find a practical solution to the growing problem and give stray dogs a proper place to live.
