As Delhi grapples with rising cases of stray dog attacks, the government is now considering a formal plan to relocate “dangerous” or “aggressive” strays to designated shelter homes. The move, though welcomed by many residents, also stirs debate among animal rights activists and urban planners.
A Surge in Stray Dog Attacks Across Delhi NCR
In just the past few months, Delhi NCR has witnessed multiple alarming incidents involving stray dogs attacking residents, particularly children and the elderly. In June, a 9-year-old boy in Vasant Kunj suffered severe facial injuries after being mauled near a park. A month earlier, CCTV footage from Dwarka showed a group of strays attacking a delivery rider late at night, leaving him hospitalized with leg wounds.
According to municipal data, over 30,000 dog bite cases were reported in Delhi in 2024, with East and South Delhi recording the highest numbers. With reports like these becoming more frequent, the call for urgent action has intensified.
Proposed Plan: Shelter Homes for Aggressive Dogs
Sources within the Delhi Urban Development Department confirm that the proposal involves creating specially equipped shelter homes to house aggressive or dangerously behaving stray dogs. These shelters would offer medical care, rehabilitation, and behavioral assessment. The dogs would be identified through public complaints, CCTV evidence, and municipal field inspections.
An official associated with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said:
“We are not aiming for mass removal of strays, but targeting specific cases where aggression is clearly documented and verified by veterinary teams.”
The plan, which is currently being vetted by the legal department, will require collaboration between the MCD, Department of Animal Husbandry, and several NGOs.
Not Just a Municipal Issue: Health and Safety at Stake
The larger concern is public health and safety. While anti-rabies vaccinations and sterilization drives have been ongoing, critics argue they haven’t addressed aggressive dog behavior directly.
Dr. Rashmi Kaul, a senior public health expert, noted:
“The rise in aggressive dog behavior is tied to rapid urbanization and insufficient feeding or care. But when children or elderly citizens are at risk, it becomes a safety issue, not just an animal rights matter.”
A particularly chilling case in early July involved an 11-year-old girl who had to undergo reconstructive surgery after being attacked by a stray pack in Rohini. Her mother told reporters, “We had filed complaints earlier, but no one came. Now my daughter is scarred for life.”
Animal Rights Groups Respond with Caution
While many residents have voiced relief at the proposed measure, animal rights organizations warn against knee-jerk reactions. They worry that the term “aggressive” might be misused or lack a standardized definition, leading to indiscriminate relocation or even abuse.
Maneka Sharma, founder of PawsFirst NGO, emphasized:
“Aggression is often a reaction to abuse, starvation, or territory invasion. Any relocation plan must involve trained behaviorists and clear guidelines, not just anecdotal complaints.”
She suggests community engagement, improved garbage management, and urban feeding zones as complementary solutions.
Legal Hurdles and Past Challenges
The Supreme Court of India has previously ruled that stray dogs cannot be culled or relocated arbitrarily, citing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Hence, any such proposal will need to stand up to legal scrutiny and include scientific vetting of each case.
Past attempts to control stray populations through relocation have been struck down in cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru due to legal violations and poor implementation.
A Middle Path: Humane Identification and Relocation
The Delhi government’s draft policy is expected to include the formation of independent district-level animal behavior committees, which will assess complaints and recommend relocation only in cases of verified danger. The shelters will be monitored by both state-appointed vets and animal welfare boards.
Additionally, the government plans to open community helplines and mobile reporting apps to streamline incident tracking.
Public Sentiment: Caught Between Fear and Compassion
Delhiites remain divided. While many residents in high-density areas like Janakpuri and Shahdara support the plan for their children’s safety, others worry about the fate of harmless dogs being unfairly labeled.
Ritu Malhotra, a resident of Karol Bagh and a community dog feeder, said:
“Some dogs may bark or defend themselves, but they are not dangerous. I’m worried authorities will remove them just because someone finds them scary.”
Meanwhile, parents of affected children argue that reactive policies are not enough and demand a full urban animal management policy backed by scientific input and real accountability.
Way Forward: Policy Expected by September 2025
If all goes as planned, the Delhi government will finalize the stray dog relocation framework by September 2025, followed by a pilot rollout in five high-complaint districts. NGOs, veterinary teams, and legal advisors are currently reviewing the first draft.
Whether this results in a safer Delhi or leads to another battle between administration and activists will depend on how sensitively and scientifically the policy is implemented.
FAQs (Answer Engine Optimization)
What is Delhi’s new policy on aggressive stray dogs?
The Delhi government is proposing a plan to relocate verified aggressive or dangerous stray dogs to specially designated shelter homes. The initiative aims to curb rising dog attack cases while ensuring the animals are treated humanely.
Why is the relocation plan being considered now?
A sharp rise in stray dog attacks across Delhi NCR, including several involving children, has prompted urgent calls for safety measures. Over 30,000 dog bite incidents were reported in 2024 alone, making this a pressing public health concern.
How will aggressive dogs be identified?
The plan suggests using a combination of public complaints, CCTV footage, and field vet inspections to assess aggressive behavior. A proposed district-level committee will verify and approve each relocation.
Is this relocation legal under Indian law?
Under current rulings and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, stray dogs cannot be arbitrarily relocated. The plan will need to follow strict legal guidelines, including behavioral assessments by qualified experts.
What do animal rights groups say about the plan?
While some support removing dangerous dogs from public spaces, most activists urge caution. They stress that aggression may stem from abuse or starvation and warn against misuse of the term “aggressive.”
When will the new policy be implemented?
If approved, the Delhi government aims to finalize the framework by September 2025, with a pilot rollout in five districts shortly thereafter.