Removal of Free-Ranging Dogs from Delhi-NCR Localities : Supreme Court Order
The Supreme Court of India, directed immediate removal of all free-ranging dogs from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad.
- The apex court ordered their permanent relocation to shelters to curb rabies cases and dog-bite incidents, prioritising safety of children and vulnerable citizens.
- Authorities must capture all stray dogs in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, ensuring none are left roaming in public areas. This is aimed at creating stray-free streets in both core and peripheral urban zones.
- Captured dogs will be kept in shelters permanently, ending the earlier practice under ABC rules of releasing them back into their original localities. This intends to permanently break the cycle of repeated attacks.
- The SC mandated building facilities with capacity for 5,000 dogs within eight weeks, starting with the most vulnerable localities. This ensures adequate housing and avoids overcrowding of captured animals.
- A 24×7 helpline must be set up so that any reported dog bite case is acted upon within four hours. This provides immediate intervention to protect public health and safety.
- Any person or organisation obstructing the removal process will face contempt of court. This gives the order enforceability and deters interference from interest groups.
