The Delhi High Court has mandated the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to initiate a pilot programme aimed at sterilising community dogs within their respective jurisdictions.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, a bench comprising Justices Dinesh Mehta and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta has instructed both civic bodies to organise a sterilisation camp in one ward each. Crucially, the court has emphasised that prior publicity must be given to these camps, clearly stating that dogs will not be captured or removed from their areas.
The bench further observed that authorities should ensure that approximately five per cent of the community dog population is left untouched to prevent a critical decline in their numbers, thereby ensuring their continued presence for future generations.
The court order stated, “NDMC and MCD shall organise a camp in one ward each in their area for sterilisation of street/stray dogs in their area with consultation with (the amicus curiae), which shall be taken as pilot project. Prior publicity of this camp in the area shall be given and a placard shall be displayed for wide publicity that stray dogs are not being captured for sending them to dog pounds, etc, and that they are being brought to the camp only for sterilisation/vaccination.”
This directive stems from a suo motu case initiated by the High Court itself, following instructions from the Supreme Court. The issue of community dog management has gained significant attention due to a rise in dog-bite incidents.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the counsel for the MCD indicated that while no official census exists, Delhi is estimated to have a community dog population of around eight lakh.
The Supreme Court, on May 19, had previously directed all state governments and Union Territories to enhance their infrastructure for managing community dogs and other animals. Simultaneously, all High Courts were asked to register suo motu cases to oversee the compliance with its earlier directions issued on August 22, 2025, and November 7, 2025.
The apex court’s directives were issued in response to an alarming increase in dog-bite incidents, particularly within institutional areas such as schools, hospitals, and railway stations. In its handling of a suo motu case concerning the stray dog menace, the Supreme Court had ordered the relocation of these animals to designated shelters following their sterilisation and vaccination.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court had directed authorities to ensure the removal of all cattle and other stray animals from state and national highways, as well as expressways, to enhance road safety.
The current pilot project ordered by the Delhi High Court is seen as a step towards addressing the complex issue of managing community dog populations in urban environments while ensuring public safety and animal welfare. The emphasis on publicising that dogs are only being brought in for sterilisation and vaccination, not capture and removal to pounds, is intended to alleviate community concerns and encourage cooperation.
This initiative aims to find a humane and effective method for population control of community dogs, a challenge faced by many urban centres across India. The outcome of these pilot projects in selected wards will likely inform future, larger-scale strategies for animal management by the civic bodies.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
