Delhi High Court directs government to plan long-term rehabilitation of stray dogs. Calling dogs “the most loved animals” and “great friends of humans”, the Court has asked the Delhi government and other stakeholders to come up with practical suggestions for the rehabilitation of community dogs. The court also emphasized the need for clear and long-term measures to reduce human-dog conflict across the city.
The direction came from a bench led by Justice Mini Pushkarna, who reviewed the Delhi government’s report on actions taken so far. The court was hearing a plea filed by Pratima Devi, an 80-year-old woman known for her long-standing care of street dogs. She had challenged the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) demolition of a makeshift dog shelter in Saket, where she looked after over 200 dogs.
The court noted that while there is growing concern about the increasing number of stray dogs in the city, there is also a clear responsibility to treat these animals with compassion. The court said that rather than only removing dogs from the streets, there must be a plan for their safe rehabilitation.
In its response, the Delhi government shared that three meetings had already taken place following the High Court’s earlier order dated May 21. However, stakeholders at these meetings highlighted the challenge of setting up permanent shelters for stray dogs. They pointed out that this would require changes to the current Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which do not include provisions for institutional sheltering on a large scale.
At present, sterilisation remains the only official method to control the stray dog population. The court was informed that the Animal Welfare Board of India had drawn up a plan for the ABC Programme in Delhi, which will be implemented from 2025 to 2030. This action plan aims to sterilise approximately eight lakh dogs in the city. However, officials estimate that this effort will take about eight years to complete.
Recognising the need for a more immediate and humane solution, the court urged the Chief Secretary of Delhi to call a meeting with all stakeholders. The aim of this meeting would be to create a clear and workable policy for the rehabilitation of community dogs. The court also underlined that setting up institutional shelters should be explored gradually, starting with pilot projects, and expanded over time based on outcomes.
The case of Pratima Devi has drawn public attention due to her decades-long dedication to the welfare of stray animals. Her shelter in Saket, though informal, had become a safe space for hundreds of dogs. After its demolition, concerns were raised about the fate of the animals and the lack of alternatives.
The High Court's observations reflect a shift in the approach towards animal welfare. Instead of viewing street dogs only as a problem, the court has placed emphasis on their social and emotional value to people. It has also called for a balance between public safety and animal care.
As Delhi moves forward with its ABC programme, the involvement of civil society, animal welfare groups, and local authorities will be key to making the city a safer place for both humans and animals. The court has made it clear that compassion, planning, and collaboration will be essential to finding lasting solutions.
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