Supreme Court forms larger bench to review controversial order on stray dog removal in Delhi-NCR

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The Supreme Court of India has constituted a larger bench to review its earlier directive ordering the blanket removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR within eight weeks. The decision follows widespread public backlash and is now scheduled for hearing before a three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria on Thursday, August 14.

The listing came just hours after the matter was mentioned before Chief Justice BR Gavai in open court, where he assured, “I will look into it.” The controversy stems from an August 11 order by a two-judge bench, which mandated the removal of all stray dogs and their relocation to shelters. The order, aimed at addressing rabies cases and dog bite incidents, specified that 5,000 strays should be captured within six to eight weeks and prohibited their release back onto the streets.

The detailed directive stated that captured dogs should be sterilized, dewormed, and vaccinated as per the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. However, the order sparked outrage among politicians, celebrities, animal welfare groups, and the general public, many of whom argued that the approach was both impractical and inhumane.

Prominent voices, including members of the Gandhi family—Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Varun Gandhi, and Maneka Gandhi—criticized the move. Rahul Gandhi described the order as “cruel” and “shortsighted,” advocating for shelters, sterilization, vaccination, and community care to ensure both public safety and animal welfare.

Protests erupted in Delhi, with several animal rights activists and dog lovers detained near India Gate. Organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India condemned the order, calling it “impractical, illogical, and illegal,” while urging authorities to adopt long-term, humane, and scientifically backed measures to address stray dog management.

The upcoming hearing before the larger bench is expected to set the tone for a more balanced approach that addresses public health concerns while safeguarding animal rights.