India Walks Back Order to Clear Delhi of Stray Dogs

India’s Supreme Court on Friday scaled back an earlier directive that sought the removal of tens of thousands of stray dogs from Delhi, acknowledging doubts about the feasibility of such a sweeping exercise.

Earlier this month, the court had instructed city authorities to round up all stray dogs within eight weeks, holding them in shelters with no release permitted. The fresh ruling now allows the dogs to be released after vaccination and sterilisation, unless they are suspected of having rabies or show signs of aggressive behaviour.

Indian media suggested Delhi alone could host up to one million stray dogs, though no official city-wide figures exist. Nationwide, the 2019 livestock census recorded 15 million stray dogs.

Meanwhile, the problem extends far beyond Delhi:

The revised order prompted celebration among dog welfare activists.

• Sonali Kalra (59, businesswoman):
  “Everyone was praying. People are looking after street dogs like their own children, but it’s not practical for them all to be taken into homes — sterilisation is the focus.”
• Aanvi Singh (20, student activist):
  “I am going to celebrate on the way with all the dogs that I meet.”

In middle-class neighbourhoods of Delhi, many residents cherish local strays despite the absence of official ownership. Some even dress dogs in jackets during winter as a gesture of care.

Despite affection in certain communities, media reports frequently highlight dog attacks, particularly targeting children and the elderly. Critics blame:

• Lack of sterilisation programmes
• Legal restrictions on culling

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of human rabies cases stem from dog bites and scratches—a risk that can be mitigated through widespread vaccination and prevention efforts.

The Supreme Court’s revised directive reflects the tension between public safety concerns and animal welfare advocacy, leaving the long-term resolution of India’s stray dog crisis still in question.