The Delhi High Court on Thursday formed a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to monitor the implementation of the Supreme Court's order on removal of stray dogs from schools, hospitals, bus stops and railway stations and other places in the country.
A division bench headed by Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta directed the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to submit a detailed report on the steps taken so far to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions in the national capital.
The authorities have been asked to provide the report by July 31.
The High Court also issued notices to the Union Government and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as part of the monitoring proceedings.
Delhi High Court Questions Authorities on Stray Dog Control.
The bench questioned the Delhi government’s counsel about how it’s taking measures to control stray dog birth control, sterilisation and vaccination.
The court also sought information about the number of dog pounds and shelters in Delhi.
When the counsel said authorities were working on the issue, the bench observed that the number of stray dogs remained a concern.
"There are too many stray dogs," the court said.
The bench also noted the presence of dogs in the High Court premises, and they indicated that dogs wearing collars were more commonly observed around the complex.
The judges questioned whether these were trained or pet dogs and said that there appeared to be at least 10 to 15 dogs in some parts of the court premises.
Court Says Balance Needed Between Public Safety and Animal Welfare
The bench also showed the ongoing struggle between the animal lovers and those who fear stray dog attacks.
The court observed that the issue had become a major public concern and people reported dog bites on a regular basis.
The judges also mentioned monkey attacks and said that officials had to strike a balance between animal rights and the safety of humans.
They asked them to prepare and submit the report one day before the next hearing, which is scheduled for August 3.
Supreme Court had warned of Contempt action
The Delhi High Court’s action follows Supreme Court direction to High Courts across the country to monitor compliance with its orders regarding stray dogs.
The top court had warned officials in its jurisdiction that anybody who did not comply, failed to act or failed to keep to its directives could face contempt proceedings.
The Supreme Court said that for individual High Courts to monitor compliance would ensure closer engagement with local conditions and quicker corrective action.
It also directed all High Courts to register suo motu proceedings under the title “In Re compliance with the Directions Issued By Supreme Court…” to monitor the implementation of its directions.
The High Courts also have the freedom to enlarge the proceedings to local conditions, provided that the Supreme Court’s directions are not diluted.
The Supreme Court's Directions on Stray Dogs
The matter relates to the Supreme Court's suo motu proceedings around stray dog attacks.
On 7 November 2025, the Supreme Court directed authorities to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations and other similar public places.
The court also ordered that dogs removed from such places should not be released back into the same places after sterilisation and vaccination.
The Delhi High Court’s move in this context is to assess if these directions are being implemented in the capital.
The proceedings will discuss dog shelters, sterilisation and vaccination programs, and the actions taken by municipalities against stray dog attacks to prevent stray dogs and to comply with judicial orders.
