Delhi High Court Asks Govt To Consider Formulating Policy For Rehabilitation Of Stray Dogs

The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government and other authorities here to consider formulating a policy for rehabilitation of stray dogs in the national capital.

Noting that it is a policy decision, Justice Mini Pushkarna referred the matter to Delhi Government's Chief Secretary.

“Accordingly, it is directed that a policy decision be taken by the stakeholders, to ensure that provisions are made for the rehabilitation of the stray dogs at an Institutional Level, so that stray dogs are rehabilitated and phased out from the public roads and streets,” the Court said.

It requested the Chief Secretary to call a meeting of all the concerned stakeholders, with a view to take a policy decision as to how the stray dogs, who roam about in the streets and parks, are ultimately removed from the street, and rehabilitated and kept in an Institutional Shelter.

The Court was dealing with a plea filed by Pratima Devi, an octogenarian popularly known as “Dog Amma”, in 2023.

In the order passed on May 21, Justice Pushkarna noted that various instances of dog bites by stray dogs have come forth, which are reported regularly in the newspapers, along with several petitions wherein instances of dog bites were brought to the notice of the Court.

The Court further noted that in March, it was observed that there were over 200 stray dogs, which were staying in the makeshift shelter of the petitioner.

The Court said that if the said dogs are to be left in the vicinity or in the open, it may create a very serious situation, as over 200 stray dogs cannot be allowed to be let loose in the streets.

“Accordingly, this Court is of the view that in reference to the discussion hereinabove, and considering the facts that have arisen in the present case, it would incumbent upon the concerned authorities to consider formulation of a policy for rehabilitation of stray dogs, and the same being a policy decision, would have to be taken with the coordinated efforts of the Delhi Government, the MCD as well as the AWBI,” the Court said.

The matter will now be heard on August 06.

Title: PRATIMA DEVI v. MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF DELHI & ORS.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 624

Click here to read order