The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly criticised local bodies for failing to address the growing stray dog problem, reserving its decision on petitions challenging its earlier August 11 directive to round up all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.

“Parliament makes laws and rules, but they are not being implemented. Local authorities are failing in their duty and should be held accountable,” remarked the three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria.

The bench, however, declined to stay the controversial August 11 order issued by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, which had instructed civic bodies to capture stray dogs and place them in shelters within eight weeks. Following public outrage, the Chief Justice of India transferred the case to the current bench.

During Thursday’s hearing, the court said it would consider whether any urgent relief or temporary suspension of the August 11 ruling was necessary. “Humans are suffering, yet animal lovers are here defending their cause,” the judges noted.

Centre Supports August 11 Decision

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, defended the directive, calling it necessary for public safety. He referred to a “silent suffering majority” facing stray dog attacks and dismissed allegations of hostility toward animals.

Citing World Health Organization data, Mehta said India sees about 305 rabies-related deaths annually—mostly among children under 15—and around 37 lakh dog bites each year, averaging 10,000 daily. He argued that sterilisation alone cannot prevent attacks.

“Even if vaccinated, dogs can still maim children. They should be removed from public spaces—not killed, but separated,” he said.

Petitioners Push Back

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing NGO Project Kindness, sought a pause on the August 11 order, pointing to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which require sterilising and vaccinating stray dogs before returning them to their original location.

“This order contradicts existing rules and legislation,” Sibal said, adding that funds meant for sterilisation and shelters have been misused, with no adequate facilities in place.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi echoed the concern, arguing the ruling was premature. “If shelters existed, such an order might be workable. But right now, there is no capacity,” he said, citing parliamentary data that recorded zero rabies deaths in Delhi between 2022 and 2024.

While acknowledging that dog bites are serious, Singhvi warned that the order could lead to an extreme situation.

The bench concluded by reserving its decision on whether to temporarily halt the August 11 directive.