**Supreme Court Transfers Stray Dog Case to New Bench**
The Supreme Court has transferred the suo motu case concerning stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to a newly formed three-judge bench, which is set to hear the matter tomorrow. Previously overseen by a different bench, the case will now be addressed by Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria. The court noted that the judges who issued the prior order are not part of this new bench.
This special bench will consider multiple petitions related to the stray dog situation, including new pleas against the rounding up of stray dogs. A total of four cases are scheduled for discussion, including the suo motu case, a petition for 2024 that was previously mentioned, and another public interest litigation (PIL) brought up today.
On Monday, the Supreme Court directed civic authorities in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to promptly capture and sterilize stray dogs, relocating them permanently to shelters. The court emphasized that this directive must be executed without compromise.
**Creation of Dog Shelters in Eight Weeks**
In a call for immediate action, the court instructed the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, NDMC, and relevant authorities in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad to establish dog shelters or pounds. They are required to report back to the court on the development of this infrastructure across the NCR within eight weeks.
These shelters must be adequately staffed to sterilize, deworm, and immunize stray dogs, ensuring they are cared for without being released back onto the streets or public areas. All shelters will be monitored by CCTV to prevent any unauthorized release of dogs.
The court has mandated that authorities begin by creating facilities for 5,000 dogs within the next six to eight weeks, describing this initiative as a “progressive exercise” that will require capacity expansion over time.
**Concerns Regarding Dog Relocation**
The court acknowledged the concerns surrounding the well-being of relocated dogs, stating that they should not face cruelty, mistreatment, or starvation, and must always be monitored. The justices expressed sympathy for the dogs’ lives, insisting that shelters should not become overcrowded. Authorities are responsible for ensuring that dogs receive adequate and regular feeding, with at least two responsible personnel present at all times, supported by a proper duty schedule.
Timely medical care from trained veterinarians must be provided, and vulnerable or weak dogs should be housed separately whenever possible.
**Adoption Policies for Shelter Dogs**
The court indicated that authorities could explore the feasibility of implementing an adoption scheme for dogs housed in shelters, in accordance with the Standard Protocol for Adoption of Community Animals issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India in May 2022. However, it was made clear that no adoption should lead to the re-release of stray dogs.
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**FAQ**
**What is the Supreme Court’s directive regarding stray dogs in Delhi-NCR?**
The Supreme Court has ordered civic authorities to capture, sterilize, and relocate stray dogs to shelters, ensuring their well-being and preventing their return to the streets.
