Supreme Court Stray Dog Removal Order: Key Highlights & Impacts

Context:
The Supreme Court of India has directed Delhi-NCR authorities to permanently remove and shelter stray dogs following a surge in child dog-bite cases, emphasizing public safety and rabies control.

Supreme Court Directives on Stray Dogs – Key Measures

✅ Permanent Removal: All stray dogs (sterilized or not) to be captured and relocated to shelters.
🚨 Priority Zones: High-risk areas (schools, parks) must see immediate removal of strays.
⏱️ 4-Hour Rule: Stray dog complaints must be acted upon within 4 hours.

🏗️ Shelter Infrastructure:

• Build shelters for 5,000 dogs in 8 weeks.
• Expand capacity progressively.
• Install CCTV surveillance to prevent illegal releases.

💉 Health & Welfare Protocols:

• Mandatory sterilization & rabies vaccination.
• Maintain capture records (sterilized, vaccinated, sheltered).
• Ensure humane care: feeding, vet services, clean housing.

📞 Public Safety & Support:

• Launch a dedicated dog-bite helpline.
• Assist victims with immediate medical care.
• Contempt action against those obstructing capture.

Impact of SC Order: Pros & Challenges

🟢 Benefits:

• Reduces dog bites, especially among children.
• Enhances rabies prevention through vaccination.
• Sets national precedent for urban stray dog management.
• Ensures judicial oversight for accountability.

🔴 Challenges:

• Heavy financial burden on municipalities.
• Risk of overcrowded shelters and poor welfare.
• Conflicts with ABC Rules (Catch-Neuter-Release).
• Logistical hurdles in rapid scaling.

Global Stray Dog Management Models

🌍 Netherlands: CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release) – near-zero strays.
🇸🇬 Singapore: Microchipping, licensing, breeding control.
🇮🇹 Italy: Free adoptions + tax incentives.
🇨🇳 China: One Health framework with strict registration.
🇹🇷 Turkey: Sterilization + pet shop sales ban.
🇧🇹 Bhutan: Roving vets for 100% sterilization & rabies control.
🇯🇵 Japan: Adoption-first shelters; humane euthanasia if needed.