NCR Stray Dog Management: SC Reserves Interim Order

On 14th August 2025, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court reserved its interim order on managing the stray dog population in the National Capital Region (NCR), amid conflicting views over relocation versus in-situ management.

Key Points

Background: The intervention comes days after a two-judge bench ordered relocation of stray dogs to dedicated shelters, prohibiting their return to their original habitat post-sterilisation.
Directions to Intervenors: The bench directed all intervenors to submit affidavits with supporting evidence, emphasising accountability from all who participate in the proceedings.
Arguments for Relocation: Solicitor General appearing for the government, argued that sterilisation and immunisation do not prevent incidents of rabies or attacks, and stressed the need for shelter-based relocation.
Animal Rights Stand: Senior advocates appeared for animal rights groups and individuals, urging a stay on the 11^th August order to protect stray dogs’ rights under the existing Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
Rules in Focus: The 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules classify strays as “community animals,” permit community feeding, and bar displacement from their usual habitat, contradicting the recent relocation order.
Next Steps: The interim order, once issued, will determine the immediate course of stray dog management in the NCR while the larger case continues.