As concerned citizens and animal lovers, we call upon the judiciary and relevant authorities to urgently review the recent orders mandating the mass relocation and permanent confinement of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.

Under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, the legal and humane approach to managing stray dog populations is clear: sterilize, vaccinate, and return the dogs to their original territories. This method is proven to stabilize populations, prevent the spread of rabies, and allow for peaceful coexistence between humans and community dogs.

The current approach of removing these animals en masse raises serious concerns:

Overcrowding and welfare risks in shelters that often lack adequate resources or capacity.

Health risks from housing large numbers of animals in confined spaces, increasing disease outbreaks.

Ecological imbalance caused by removing territorial community dogs, which can lead to increased aggression from new, unvaccinated animals moving in.

Public mistrust when sterilization and vaccination programs—funded and supported over the years—are not fully implemented before resorting to relocation.

If authorities are genuinely concerned about public safety, disease control, or overpopulation, the ABC Rules already provide the framework to address these issues effectively. Sterilization prevents reproduction, vaccination prevents rabies, and returning dogs to their areas ensures stable, healthy populations without overburdening shelters.

The manner in which stray dogs are often captured—rough handling, lack of proper transportation, and removal without local coordination—raises serious questions about the care these animals will receive after being confined. Humane treatment must be the standard, not an afterthought.

We therefore urge the Supreme Court and relevant authorities to:

1. Suspend mass relocation orders and prioritize ABC Rule compliance nationwide.

2. Audit existing sterilization and vaccination programs to ensure funds and resources are used effectively.

3. Implement transparent monitoring of shelter conditions to protect animal welfare.

Protecting stray dogs is not just about compassion—it is about following the law, safeguarding public health, and respecting the communities in which these animals live.