Stray Dogs Case: SC Reserves Order on Plea To Stay Its August 11 Directions To Remove All Delhi Dogs To Shelter Homes

Today (August 14, 2025), the three-judge bench of the Supreme Court (SC) reserved its order on a plea seeking to stay the August 11, 2025, decision mandating the removal of stray dogs from Delhi and the NCR region to dog shelter homes. The August 11 decision of the two-judge bench of the SC led to widespread protests by animal rights activists. Later, the case was again mentioned before the top court; moreover, earlier orders of the other two benches of the SC were also highlighted, which conflicted with the latest order. Therefore, the case was transferred to a three-judge bench comprising Justice Sandeep Mehta, Justice Vikram Nath, and Justice N. Anjaria. 

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for NCT Delhi, said, “There was a loud vocal minority and a silent suffering majority…I have seen people posting videos of eating meat and then claiming to be animal lovers.” Further, he mentioned multiple instances of children dying due to rabies after dog bites. He added, “Sterilisation does not stop rabies. Even if the dogs are immunised, that won't stop them from mutilating children.” SG also said, “Only four or five species of snakes are poisonous. But we don't keep them at homes. Nobody is saying kill dogs. They need to be separated. Kids are not able to play outside or go to school.” Opposing SG’s contentions, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal said, “This is the first time I hear the Solicitor General say don't look at the legislation which occupies the filed. There are the ABC rules. There is a Parliamentary legislation. That has to be complied with. How do you comply with? Who has to comply? The Municipal Corproation, what have they been doing over the years? Have they built shelter homes? Since they have not sterilised, dog numbers increased. Since they have no owners, the community is taking care of them. Where are the shelters? Where are the pounds? They will be culled.”

After hearing the matter, Justice Nath said, “What is your stand? This is happening because of the inaction of the Municipal Corporation. The Government does nothing. The local authorities do nothing.” He added, “Local authorities are not doing what they should be doing. They should be here taking responsibility. Everyone who has come here to file intervention should take responsibility.”