Delhi HC Orders Policy for Stray Dog Rehabilitation

New Delhi, May 27 (PTI) The Delhi High Court has instructed city authorities to develop a policy for the institutional rehabilitation of stray dogs, with the aim of gradually removing them from public roads and streets.

Highlighting the "magnitude of the problem" faced by the public, Justice Mini Pushkarna has referred the issue to the Delhi chief secretary. She emphasized the need for a coordinated effort by the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to formulate such a policy.

The court has directed the chief secretary to convene a meeting of all involved parties to discuss solutions for relocating stray dogs to institutional shelters.

"This court notes that various incidents of stray dog bites are regularly reported in the newspapers, in addition to various petitions submitted to this court, highlighting these occurrences," stated the judge in an order dated May 21.

"It is therefore directed that a policy decision be undertaken by the stakeholders to ensure the rehabilitation of stray dogs at an institutional level, thereby phasing them out from public roads and streets," ordered the judge.

The order was issued while addressing a petition by an octogenarian, known as "Dog Amma," who was contesting the demolition of her makeshift shelter behind the PVR Anupam Complex. She had been caring for more than 200 dogs at this location.

The petitioner claimed she had lived in the shelter for 30 years, looking after several stray dogs, but the MCD demolished it on January 3, 2023, without prior notice.

The court observed that the authorities' current decision—to return sterilized and vaccinated dogs to the vicinity of the shelter—was not an adequate solution.

It noted that releasing the dogs into the streets could result in serious issues, as over 200 stray dogs roaming free would be impractical both for residents and the dogs themselves.

The court added that such actions would only cause difficulties for local residents and impose undue stress on the animals.

The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for August 6.