Delhi corporation plans euthanasia of stray dogs after Supreme Court order

The Supreme Court ruled that human safety must take precedence over animal welfare, allowing authorities to euthanise rabid, incurably ill or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs. Following the order, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will hold a review meeting chaired by Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar to decide on a step‑wise protocol. Dogs identified as aggressive will be taken to an Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre for a 10‑day observation period, during which sedatives may be used for up to 14 days. If a dog continues to show aggressive behaviour despite treatment, euthanasia can be carried out in the presence of two doctors, as permitted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and ABC Rules, 2023.

The MCD reports that 101,394 dogs were sterilised between April 2025 and March 2026 and intends to establish shelters in every city zone, seeking land from the Delhi government and exploring CSR funding. Project delays have been noted due to inter‑departmental issues and fund releases. The court also instructed authorities to strengthen preventive infrastructure in schools, hospitals, railway stations and sports complexes to reduce dog‑bite incidents.