MCD to enforce SC’s revised stray dog order, says Mayor; RWAs and NGOs await clarity

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will fully implement the Supreme Court’s revised order on the management of stray dogs, Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh said on Friday, even as NGOs and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) sought clarity on how the directive would play out on the ground.

The assurance comes after the apex court stayed its earlier August 11 directive that required civic bodies to permanently shelter stray dogs. “We agree with the Supreme Court that dogs should be released after proper vaccination and sterilisation. The MCD will ensure 100% implementation of the order in its full capacity,” Mr. Singh said.

He said the sterilised and vaccinated dogs will be returned to their original pickup locations, while aggressive and rabies-infected canines will be housed temporarily until fit for release.  A three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court modified its previous ruling on Friday, directing civic bodies to deworm, vaccinate, and release dogs back into the same area, except for those showing aggression or rabies infection. The earlier order was issued in response to rising dog-bite incidents. Delhi had recorded 26,334 dog-bite cases and 49 rabies infections till July 31, according to MCD data.

More time to comply

Following the August directive, the MCD picked up 908 dogs from sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, and parks, and housed them in its 20 Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres. With the revised order, the NGOs managing these centres are awaiting formal instructions from the MCD to resume release operations.

“Surgeries were paused, and we struggled to carry out vaccination-sterilisation. We hope to return to routine operations soon,” said Ayesha Christina Benn, founder of Neighbourhood Woofs.

Geeta Sheshamani from Friendicoes SECA, which runs three ABC centres in Delhi, said, “When we were asked to pick up dogs and not release them, we refused to take in sterilised and well-behaved dogs. It went against the ABC Rules, 2023.”

Meanwhile, the MCD has tasked a subcommittee led by deputy standing committee chairman Sunder Singh with identifying land for shelters in all 12 municipal zones. “Since we have more time now, we will plan this with care and comply with the court’s direction,” he said.

Ward-wise spots

The court also ruled that feeding strays must be confined to designated zones, banning street-side feeding. The MCD has begun identifying ward-wise spots for feeding, with signage to be installed. “Our objective is to balance animal welfare with public health,” said standing committee chairperson Satya Sharma.

But RWAs voiced concern over implementation. “Without a clear plan, it will be a mess. RWAs will end up being blamed. Unless the MCD clearly defines the implementation strategy, this will create more problems than it solves,” said Atul Goyal, president of the United Residents’ Joint Action.

The revised order sparked celebrations among animal rights activists and caregivers, who had been staging protests against the August 11 directive. “We hope the MCD now takes the ABC programme seriously,” said caregiver Anshita Singh of Malviya Nagar. 
ontinue,” he said.