A bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta said there was a need to strike a balance between the interests of “dog lovers” and “dog haters”. (Representative image)

HC seeks report from Delhi govt on steps taken to remove stray dogs by July 31

The Delhi High Court has asked the Delhi government and MCD for a detailed stray dog compliance report. The order sharpens focus on public safety and enforcement of the Supreme Court's directions.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Delhi HC seeks balance between dog lovers and those troubled by dog bites
  • Authorities ordered to clear stray animals from highways and public spaces
  • Notices issued to Centre and NHAI; next hearing on August 3

The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to file a comprehensive report on the steps taken to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions on removing stray dogs from public spaces. The report has to cover action taken up to July 31.

The court passed the order in a case initiated by the high court following the Supreme Court’s directions of May 19. It also issued notices to the Centre and the National Highways Authority of India in the matter, and listed the case for hearing on August 3.

A bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta said there was a need to strike a balance between the interests of “dog lovers” and “dog haters”. The bench said cases of dog bites were being reported every day and that it was the common man who was troubled. It also said the monkey menace was an “even more serious” issue.

“The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) shall file a comprehensive report in relation to the steps so far taken in compliance with directions so far passed by the Supreme Court, and this court, up to July 31,” the bench ordered.

On May 19, the Supreme Court directed state governments and Union territories to augment infrastructure to deal with stray dogs and other animals. It also asked all high courts to register a case to ensure compliance with its August 22, 2025, and November 7, 2025, directions.

The court had issued a series of directions to deal with the “alarming rise” in dog bite cases in institutional areas such as educational institutions, hospitals and railway stations.

While hearing the case on the stray dog menace, the Supreme Court ordered the relocation of stray dogs to designated shelters after sterilisation and vaccination. It also directed authorities to remove all cattle and other stray animals from state highways, national highways and expressways.

- Ends