Introduction:
The Delhi High Court, while hearing the suo motu matter titled Court on Its Own Motion Regarding Compliance with the Directions Issued by the Supreme Court & Connected Matters, has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to identify one ward each and organise pilot camps for the sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs. The Division Bench comprising Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Rajnish Kumar Gupta passed the directions as part of its ongoing monitoring of the Supreme Court’s orders relating to the management of stray dogs in public places.
The proceedings originate from directions issued by the Supreme Court in its suo motu case concerning stray dog attacks. The Supreme Court had directed the removal of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations and other sensitive public places and authorised High Courts across the country to monitor compliance through suo motu proceedings. The Apex Court also empowered the High Courts to issue further directions suited to local conditions while ensuring faithful implementation of its orders.
Pursuant to these directions, the Delhi High Court has been monitoring the implementation of animal birth control measures and public safety mechanisms in the national capital. The present hearing focused on improving sterilisation and vaccination efforts through a structured and humane pilot project.
Arguments of the Parties:
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi submitted that it had filed a status report regarding the functioning of Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centres across Delhi. It informed the Court that such centres had already been identified in eight zones, while approval for three remaining zones was still awaited. According to the Corporation, sterilisation work for those zones was presently being undertaken by centres located in neighbouring zones. The Corporation also placed before the Court details regarding the number of stray dogs sterilised and vaccinated during the preceding six months.
On being asked about the estimated population of stray dogs in Delhi, the Corporation stated that no official census had been conducted. However, based on rough estimates, nearly eight lakh stray dogs are believed to be present in the city. It further informed the Court that records are maintained after sterilisation and suggested that microchipping of sterilised dogs could also be introduced as part of a pilot project to improve monitoring.
Advocate Sheffy Bhatia, appearing in one of the connected matters, submitted that local animal feeders could play a constructive role in implementing the programme. She stated that feeders are familiar with the dogs in their respective localities and can coordinate with municipal authorities, making it easier to bring stray dogs for sterilisation and vaccination without causing unnecessary stress or resistance.
The municipal authorities accepted the suggestion of launching a pilot project in selected areas and proposed consultations with the Government of NCT of Delhi, the amicus curiae and other stakeholders before finalising the plan.
Court’s Judgment:
The Delhi High Court directed both the MCD and the NDMC to identify one ward each within their respective jurisdictions and organise dedicated camps for sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs as a pilot project. The Court ordered that the exercise should be carried out in consultation with the amicus curiae so that a structured and transparent model can be developed for future implementation across the city.
To ensure public confidence, the Bench directed that adequate publicity should be given before the camps are organised. Public notices and placards must clearly inform residents that the camps are only for sterilisation and vaccination and that the dogs will neither be sent to dog pounds nor subjected to any harm. The Court observed that such awareness would encourage cooperation from animal lovers and residents while dispelling misconceptions surrounding municipal animal control programmes.
The Bench emphasised that the pilot project should demonstrate that humane sterilisation programmes are intended to control the stray dog population without resorting to cruelty. It observed that beginning with one ward each under the MCD and NDMC would help create public awareness and provide valuable data regarding the effectiveness of such initiatives before expanding them across Delhi.
The Court also discussed the possibility of introducing microchipping for sterilised dogs to improve identification and monitoring. It observed that scientific tracking could strengthen future animal birth control programmes and help maintain accurate records.
During the hearing, the Bench also remarked that while population control is necessary, ecological balance must be maintained. It observed that the objective of sterilisation should not be the complete elimination of stray dogs but the humane management of their population through lawful means. The Court suggested that municipal authorities may consider placing appropriate proposals before the Court if required in future.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 1, when the municipal authorities are expected to place before the Court the details of the pilot project and the progress made in implementing the directions.
The order reflects the Delhi High Court’s effort to balance public safety with animal welfare by ensuring effective implementation of the Supreme Court’s directives. By promoting sterilisation, vaccination, public participation and transparency, the Court has sought to establish a humane and sustainable framework for managing the stray dog population while safeguarding both citizens and animals.