The Supreme Court’s directive to shift all stray dogs from residential areas in Delhi-NCR to dedicated shelters has ignited a fierce public debate. While many animal lovers have criticised it as “inhumane,” supporters cite frequent attacks on children and seniors as justification.
Implementing the order poses massive logistical and financial hurdles. Delhi’s last official count in 2009 recorded 5.6 lakh stray dogs; current estimates hover near 10 lakh. At 500 dogs per shelter, around 2,000 facilities would be needed—yet the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) operates only 20 small centres meant for post-sterilisation care, accommodating fewer than 5,000 animals.
Building large-scale shelters demands significant land, funds, and time. Catching the animals is another obstacle, with only 2–3 vans and limited trained handlers per zone. Resistance from animal welfare groups could further complicate removal efforts. Feeding, veterinary care, staff salaries, and maintenance could cost hundreds of crores annually.
Supporters of the ruling stress public safety, noting Delhi has reported 26,000 dog bite cases and 49 rabies deaths this year. The court emphasised that “streets must be absolutely free of stray dogs” in the public interest.
Opponents, including PETA India, call the plan unscientific and counterproductive, warning that displacement causes territorial fights, starvation, and eventual return of dogs. They argue that an intensive sterilisation and vaccination programme is the only sustainable solution.
The debate underscores the clash between public safety and animal welfare, raising the question—can such a massive relocation ever truly work