Delhi: Two-Month Deadline to Collect Stray Dogs

The Supreme Court of India has given Delhi authorities a two-month deadline to collect all stray dogs from the city and its suburbs, relocating them to animal shelters. The decision follows reports of an increase in dog bites and rabies cases.

The court expressed concern about the increasing threat of dog bites leading to rabies and gave officials eight weeks. It is estimated that the stray dog population in Delhi reaches one million.

Shelters must be equipped with sterilization and vaccination facilities, as well as CCTV cameras. The judges ruled that sterilized dogs should not be released in public places.

Animal protection organizations have expressed concerns, arguing that the timeline is unrealistic, as most cities in India do not have the required shelter capacity.

According to government data, 3.7 million dog bite cases were recorded across the country in 2024. The World Health Organization estimates that 18,000-20,000 people die from rabies each year.