# By Dr. R.B. Chaudhary
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National capital Delhi grapples with the complex issue of managing stray dogs, a challenge that pits public safety against animal welfare. The debate over feeding stray dogs has sparked tensions between Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and animal lovers, escalating to the courts and igniting protests by national and international animal welfare activists. On August 13, 2025, the Supreme Court, responding to the gravity of the situation, assured a review of the issue, signaling hope for a balanced approach rooted in non-violence and compassion.
The Core Issues-Dog Feeding
The issue explores the feeding controversy, judicial interventions, Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) guidelines, the societal role of dogs, animal-assisted therapy, Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs, the historical human-dog bond, dog bite and rabies statistics, government initiatives, rabies-free cities, international cooperation, and the unified activism that has reshaped India’s animal welfare movement.
The Feeding Controversy in New Delhi
Feeding stray dogs in New Delhi is a polarizing issue. Animal lovers see it as an act of kindness, while critics argue it drives population growth, dog bites, and aggression. Delhi’s stray dog population is estimated at one million in 2025 (Animal Welfare Board, 2025). According to the Delhi Health Department, 26,334 dog bite cases were reported in 2025, many near feeding areas (Delhi Health Department, 2025). RWAs have long opposed feeding, claiming it attracts dogs to residential areas, heightening public tension. The AWBI permits feeding at designated spots, but unregulated feeding complicates population control (AWBI, 2023). The board has established feeding points in major cities, yet compliance remains uneven, exacerbating the issue.
S C’s Assurance and Observations
The Supreme Court has taken a serious stance on stray dog management. On August 11, 2025, a bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala ordered Delhi-NCR authorities to relocate all stray dogs to shelters within six to eight weeks, banning their release back into public spaces . Triggered by rising dog bite incidents, particularly against children, the court labeled the situation “extremely grim” and mandated a special task force . This directive sparked outrage among activists, who noted Delhi’s shelter capacity is limited to 5,000 dogs . On August 13, 2025, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai listed the case for review by a three-judge bench under Justice Vikram Nath on August 14, following a plea citing a May 2024 order emphasizing humane treatment under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Animal Birth Control Rules, 2001 .
Delhi High Court and AWBI Guidelines
The Delhi High Court has advocated scientific management, directing designated feeding spots, sterilization, and vaccination programs. The AWBI’s 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules focus on capturing, sterilizing, vaccinating, and releasing dogs to their original locations to stabilize populations and curb rabies . The High Court mandated CCTV-monitored shelters and a 70% sterilization rate, proven effective for population control . These measures align with global standards for humane stray dog management.
Nationwide and Global Activism
The Supreme Court’s August 11 order prompted widespread protests. In Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, activists rallied, citing insufficient shelter capacity and risks of cruelty . Demonstrations near India Gate on August 11 led to detentions, with activists arguing the order violated animal welfare laws . International groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and World Animal Protection criticized the directive as “impractical and illegal,” urging enhanced sterilization programs. Activists highlighted Delhi’s lack of land, manpower, budget, and expertise to meet court deadlines, deeming the order unfeasible .
Dogs’ Role in Society
Dogs hold a revered place in Indian society. In Hinduism, they are associated with Bhairava and worshipped during Diwali (Indian Cultural Texts, 2020). In rural areas, dogs protect crops and communities, while in cities, they serve as companions and guards (Social Studies, 2023). Their role as scavengers also curbs rodent populations, reducing diseases.
Animal-Assisted Therapy in the West
In Western countries, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) uses dogs to enhance mental and physical health in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Effective for depression, PTSD, and child development, AAT is gaining traction in India, notably for cancer and HIV patients (Scientific Studies, 2022). This underscores dogs’ therapeutic potential. The human-dog bond offers significant benefits, reducing stress by lowering cortisol and increasing oxytocin levels. A 2019 review showed dog owners have lower blood pressure, better cholesterol, and a 24% reduced risk of heart-related death.
Dog Combat Loneliness and DepressionDogs also combat loneliness and depression, with a 2023 study noting a 60% improvement in hospital patients' mood and social interactions. Socially, dogs foster community connections, with 40% of owners finding it easier to make friends, reducing risks of heart issues and cognitive decline. The Dr. Dog program, started in 1995 by the Animal Angels Foundation, aids over 100,000 people yearly in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, improving mood by 60% in children with disabilities and reducing anxiety by 45% in patients, aligning with the biopsychosocial model for well-being.
Importance of the ABC Program
The ABC program is critical for controlling stray dog populations and rabies. Through sterilization and vaccination, it reduces aggression and population growth. Priced at ₹1,550 per operation, the program has lowered rabies cases across India’s metros (Ministry of Health, 2024). Mumbai’s 90% sterilization rate in some areas highlights its efficacy (Animal Welfare Advocate, 2025).
Historical Human-Dog Bond
The human-dog bond, a relationship forged over 20,000–40,000 years through domestication, is a cornerstone of mutual emotional, psychological, and physiological benefits. In India, this bond is culturally significant, reflecting principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and jeevdaya (compassion for all living beings The human-dog bond began with wolf domestication. In ancient India, dogs were honored as protectors and companions (Archaeological Studies, 2018). This bond spans urban and rural settings, with dogs integral to households. Uncontrolled breeding and commercialization in cities, coupled with poor municipal oversight, exacerbate issues like rabies.
Dog Bites and Rabies in India
Dog bites are a pressing concern, with 3.7 million cases reported in 2024 and 4.3 lakh in January 2025. Rabies claims 18,000-20,000 lives annually, 36% of global fatalities. Delhi recorded 49 rabies cases in 2025 (Ministry of Health, 2025). Mismanagement and non-compliance with AWBI guidelines fuel this crisis.
Government Initiatives
The Indian government’s National Rabies Control Programme and National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination aim for rabies eradication by 2030 through vaccination and awareness (Ministry of Health, 2023). These efforts strengthen sterilization and public education campaigns.
Rabies-Free Cities and Global Support
Goa has been rabies-controlled since 2017, with no human deaths. Mumbai, Pune, and Assam are advancing similar efforts (State Health Department, 2024). The World Health Organization, UNDP, and Mission Rabies provide vaccination and technical support (WHO, 2025).
At the end
New Delhi’s stray dog issue requires scientific management, legal clarity, and societal compassion. The Supreme Court’s review, Delhi High Court’s directives, and AWBI’s guidelines offer a path forward. The unified activism of animal lovers, advocating non-violence and compassion, has energized India’s animal welfare movement, promising a future where humans and dogs coexist safely.
( # Author is associated with Hindusthan Samachar and served as Assistant Secretary of the Animal Welfare Board of India, functioning under the Union Government)
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
