Institute of Legal and Management Studies

The Supreme Court today(August 11) questioned the animal rights activists and organisations, who are against the shifting of stray dogs to animal shelters, and asked if they can bring back the young infants and children who have lost their lives due to rabies and dog bites.

The Court was hearing a suo motu matter against the increasing incidents of infants, young children and the elderly falling prey to rabies. While it was dictating an order that the stray dogs in the National Capital Region be immediately moved to the dog shelters/compounds dedicated for them and shall not be released in the localities, even after sterilisation, the Court was informed about the possible intervention by the animal rights activists and organisations.

Even Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for the NCT of Delhi, had pointed out that one animal activist had sought a stay in the Delhi High Court against the decision of the State of NCT Delhi earmarking a space at the outskirts where stray dogs could be moved. An intervenor had also filed an application representing the Welfare Association. He also said that the lady feeds 20-30 stray dogs.

Remarking that such litigation should not involve sentiments, a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan observed that it would initiate contempt against those persons if they try to interfere with the implementation of the directions passed. Justice Pardiwala also criticised these activists for not considering that young infants and children have fallen prey to rabies because of the stray dogs.

"...This is the time to act. All these animal activists and all these so-called [animal] lovers, will they be able to bring back all those children who have fallen prey to rabies? Will they put life back in those children? Let's take a practical view of the matter. When the situation demands, you have to act."

The Court also refused to entertain any intervention application of any animal rights activists and organisations.

Case Details: IN RE 'CITY HOUNDED BY STRAYS, KIDS PAY PRICE'|SMW(C) No. 5/2025