SC order on stray dogs: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta vows 'well-structured' roll-out as activists warn of chaos

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta acknowledged the “gigantic proportions” of the stray dog menace, pledging a structured policy to implement the order.

The Supreme Court’s directive to clear stray dogs from Delhi-NCR localities has triggered a polarised response, with residents’ groups backing the move while animal rights activists warn of logistical and financial hurdles, The New Indian Express (TNIE) reported.

A two-judge bench’s directive set tight timelines and ordered shelters with professional staff, sterilisation and immunisation facilities, CCTV monitoring, and helplines for bite reporting.

The court warned that any person or organisation obstructing the operation would face strict legal action and said dogs should not be released back into public places.

Delhi’s political leadership said it would comply while promising a humane, planned roll-out. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta acknowledged the “gigantic proportions” of the stray dog menace, pledging a structured policy to implement the order.

Gupta said that the government's priority is to provide relief to the citizens of Delhi.

This problem is at a critical stage and we will address it through a comprehensive, well-structured plan, she added, emphasising past failures in tackling the issue.

Minister Kapil Mishra assured a “humane” approach, stating that the court's order will be implemented in a time-bound manner, keeping kindness, compassion, and humanity in mind.”

Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh confirmed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has formed a sub-committee to draft shelter policies in consultation with experts, as per TNIE.

However, activists slammed the order as unrealistic. Nikhil Mahesh of Umeed for Animals Foundation labelled it “childish” and “impulsive,” predicting heightened human-dog conflicts.

Former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi called it “financially unviable,” estimating a staggering Rs 15,000 crore initial cost plus Rs 5 crore weekly for upkeep. She also cited a contradictory Supreme Court ruling from just a month earlier.

Supporters of the measure, like former Union Minister Vijay Goel, have argued that the Supreme Court order should be seen as an opportunity for institutional care, ensuring that animals too “are sheltered, fed and cared for”.

The court’s intervention follows a string of frightening incidents: two young brothers in Vasant Kunj were found dead in March 2023 in what was suspected to be a stray-dog attack; a two-year-old was injured in Vishwas Nagar in January 2024; a two-year-old girl was mauled to death in Tughlaq Lane on February 24, 2024; and a six-year-old from Pooth Kalan was attacked on June 30, 2025 and later died of rabies on July 26, as reported by TNIE.

Those cases have been central to the court’s expression of urgency.