The Supreme Court of India will hear the case concerning the removal of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR before a larger bench on Thursday, August 14. The decision follows significant public uproar over an earlier court order directing the blanket removal of strays, Hindustan Times reported.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the matter will be heard by a three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria. This comes after Chief Justice BR Gavai was informed about the issue in open court on Wednesday and assured, “I will look into it.”
On August 11, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court ordered the removal of all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR within eight weeks, citing concerns over rabies and dog bite incidents. The order directed authorities to capture 5,000 dogs within six to eight weeks, move them to shelters, and ensure sterilisation, deworming, and vaccination under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. It also stated that no captured dogs should be released back onto the streets.
The ruling prompted strong reactions from politicians, animal rights activists, and members of the public. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, described the directive as “cruel” and called for humane alternatives such as sterilisation, vaccination, and community-based care. His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, cousin Varun Gandhi, and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi also expressed concerns.
Animal rights organisation PETA India termed the order “impractical, illogical, and illegal.” Several protesters, including dog lovers and activists, were detained near India Gate in Delhi during demonstrations against the ruling.
The Supreme Court will revisit the matter on August 14 with the newly constituted larger bench.
The Chenab Times News Desk