New Delhi: An important hearing on stray dogs was held in the Supreme Court today. During this hearing, the Chief Secretaries of the states and union territories appeared before the Supreme Court in compliance with a previous order. They tendered an unconditional apology for not filing compliance affidavits on the issue of stray dog bites.
The Supreme Court stated that it will also hear the cases of dog bite victims and scheduled the next hearing for November 7th. During the previous hearing on October 27th, no state or union territory except Telangana and West Bengal presented their views, prompting the Court to take a firm stance and direct the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government to appear, as in other states.
While a case regarding the menace of street dogs in Delhi is already pending in court, the Supreme Court is also hearing a suo motu case related to the menace of stray dogs and the implementation of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
Previously, on August 22, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a significant order regarding Delhi. The court subsequently modified an earlier order, which directed the capture and permanent housing of all stray dogs in shelters, which it deemed “too stringent.” The revised order stated that stray dogs must be released back into the area they were captured from after sterilization, deworming, and vaccination, provided they are not aggressive or suffering from rabies.
Current Status of Street Dogs in Delhi
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has not conducted an official census of stray dogs for several years. Since the last census, the estimated number has increased significantly.
5.6 lakh stray dogs found in Delhi in 2009
The last census conducted in 2009 found approximately 5.6 lakh stray dogs in Delhi. According to various estimates and recent surveys, this number could currently be between 8 lakh and 10 lakh.
Nearly 800,000 Dogs in Delhi
Former Union Minister Vijay Goel, who has been working on the issue of street dogs, has told the court that there are at least 800,000 street dogs in Delhi. Due to the increase in dog bite incidents, this issue has become a matter of public concern, and the Supreme Court has also issued directives in this regard.
