The Supreme Court of India recently held an important hearing regarding the pressing issue of stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region. A three-judge bench led by Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria listened to arguments from various parties including dog lovers represented by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal. The case has attracted intense debate surrounding public safety, animal rights, and humane treatment.What Was Discussed in the Supreme Court?Kapil Sibal, speaking for dog lovers and animal welfare activists, challenged the government’s approach by criticizing orders passed without adequate notice or proper infrastructure measures such as shelters. Sibal requested the court to stay or temporarily halt drastic actions like dog removals until better arrangements are made. He warned that insufficient shelters could lead to increased aggression among dogs.In contrast, the Solicitor General (SG) of India highlighted the serious public safety risks posed by stray dogs, emphasizing alarming statistics such as:Around 37 lakh people are bitten by dogs annually in India.Approximately 10,000 dog bites occur daily, causing fatalities including children who die from rabies.The SG mentioned that many dogs fed by animal lovers have become more aggressive, increasing risks on the roads.The SG advocated for humane dog population control through sterilization (naspandin) and vaccination, underlining the government’s intent to balance animal welfare with public safety. However, he acknowledged the challenges of implementation and urged the court to allow authorities to proceed with necessary steps.Court’s Observations and Next StepsThe Supreme Court bench expressed concern over the conflicting interests at play — the humane treatment of animals versus the safety and well-being of citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.The court directed all stakeholders, including government agencies, animal welfare groups, and individuals, to file affidavits with evidence about:Current actions taken regarding dog captures and sterilization.Plans and infrastructure for shelters.Measures to ensure public safety without hurting animals unnecessarily.After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its decision on issuing an interim stay on the government's dog removal orders, signaling more deliberations to come.Why This Case MattersStray dogs are a serious concern across many Indian cities due to risks of attacks, rabies, and traffic accidents. At the same time, animal welfare groups stress humane methods and oppose killing or neglecting dogs. The Supreme Court’s ruling will have a wide impact on how urban animal control is managed, potentially shaping law and policy across the country.Meanwhile, the dialogue between the judiciary, government, and animal advocates reflects a growing need to find compassionate yet effective solutions balancing human safety and animal rights.
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