Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 14: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging its recent directive mandating the rounding up of all stray dogs in the national capital and placing them in shelters within six to eight weeks. The directive, issued on August 11, further stipulated that the animals should never be released back into public spaces.

A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria declined to grant an interim stay on the August 11 order, which was issued by another Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan. The earlier directive instructed municipal authorities to “at the earliest start picking up stray dogs from all localities, especially vulnerable pockets of the city and outskirts,” adding that if required, a special force should be created to expedite the process.

The suo motu proceedings were initiated in view of rising incidents of stray dog attacks, particularly involving children and infants. The court stressed that there should be “no lethargy or compromise” in implementing the measure, terming it an urgent public safety issue.

With the final order now reserved, the matter continues to draw sharp reactions from animal welfare advocates, civic authorities, and residents alike.