Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The response to the Supreme Court's urgent directive aimed at clearing stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has acknowledged the severity of the issue, describing it as having “assumed gigantic proportion.” At a press conference, she affirmed that the government intends to roll out a humane and systematic policy in line with the court’s mandate, emphasizing its importance in providing relief to Delhi residents .

The Supreme Court’s order, delivered in a suo motu hearing on July 28 following distressing reports of dog bite incidents leading to rabies, required civic authorities to remove all stray dogs from public spaces and relocate them to shelters. A bench consisting of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan cautioned that infants and children must not fall prey to stray bites, and issued a warning of strict legal action against anyone obstructing the process .

CM Rekha Gupta stated that Delhi’s streets should no longer be unsafe for its citizens. She acknowledged that public frustration had reached a peak and insisted the government’s forthcoming policy would be carefully planned and effectively implemented. Her remarks followed recent meetings held by her administration; previously, minister Kapil Mishra had already promised a “humane policy” to navigate the transition without compromising animal welfare .

While the Supreme Court’s measures have been lauded by Residents’ Welfare Associations and some public figures as necessary for safety, they’ve also sparked criticisms. Animal welfare activists and organisations—including PETA India and former minister Maneka Gandhi—have labelled the directive impractical, unaffordable, and potentially harmful to ecological balance. They argue that the infrastructure for housing such large numbers of dogs simply does not exist, and warn the plan could exacerbate human–dog conflict rather than resolve it.

Nonetheless, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has already begun operationalizing the court’s mandate. An action plan is underway to catch and permanently relocate approximately 6,000 stray dogs, and NGOs running Animal Birth Control programs have been directed not to release sterilized dogs back onto the streets. The MCD is also securing government land to set up much-needed shelters .

The public remains divided. Some residents, particularly families with children, see this as long-overdue action to reclaim the safety of their neighbourhoods. Others worry that the aggressive timeline and logistical challenges could lead to welfare issues for the dogs and heightened tensions in communities.

The article captures a pivotal moment in Delhi’s attempts to manage its stray dog population. The Supreme Court's directive has set off a flurry of administrative action and public debate. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s commitment to a humane, structured policy provides a clear path forward, but the practical challenges and ethical considerations ahead remain substantial as authorities race to meet the court’s timelines and the city watches closely.