Supreme Court of India Reverses Decision on Stray Dogs in New Delhi Amid Activist Protests

What's Happening?

India's Supreme Court has reversed its earlier decision to relocate stray dogs in New Delhi to shelters, following protests from animal rights activists. The initial ruling aimed to address the rising number of dog bite incidents, which reportedly reach nearly 2,000 per day in the city. The court's new order allows for the sterilization and immunization of the dogs before releasing them back to their original localities. Designated feeding areas will also be established across the capital. The decision does not apply to dogs that are rabid or exhibit aggressive behavior. The number of stray dogs in New Delhi is estimated to be between 500,000 and 1 million.

Why It's Important?

This decision highlights the ongoing tension between public safety concerns and animal welfare advocacy in urban areas. The reversal may appease animal rights groups but could raise concerns among residents about safety, particularly in light of the high number of dog bite incidents. The ruling underscores the challenges cities face in balancing humane treatment of animals with public health and safety. The establishment of feeding areas and the focus on sterilization and immunization reflect a compromise aimed at managing the stray dog population without resorting to permanent relocation.