Yesterday, Delhi High Court issued a directive to the local authorities, instructing them to maintain ongoing efforts regarding the sterilization and immunization of stray dogs.

The order was issued by a bench led by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma in response to two petitions related to dog bite incidents. The court acknowledged its satisfaction with the Delhi government and municipal authorities in fulfilling their legal responsibilities and stressed that the sterilization and immunization of stray dogs constitute a crucial public duty that must be carried out diligently.

“The respondents are directed to ensure that they continue with their efforts and drive for sterilization and immunization of stray dogs, as the same is an important public function and is required to be performed in all its earnestness,” stated the bench, also comprising Justice Jasmeet Singh.

In the said order, the Court mentioned that as per a status report submitted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), sterilisation of over 59,000 dogs was done during 2022-2023. Between April and June of 2023, the figure was 12,244, it noted.

Similarly, the Delhi government informed the court that in 2022-2023, more than 63,000 stray dogs were vaccinated against rabies while the figure for the previous year was 85,979.

Anti-rabies vaccines are provided free of cost round the year in all 77 veterinary hospitals which are equipped with cold chain facilities for storage and transportation of vaccines, also meant for pet dogs and community owned dogs, the government said.

The petitioners, Conference for Human Rights (India) and Triveni Apartments Welfare Association, stated that their members are socially aware citizens who wish to make positive contributions to society.

They alleged that the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules of 2001, which require regular sterilization and immunization programs for stray dogs to control their increasing population, were not being adhered to.

According to the petitioners, the authorities' failure to fulfill their legal obligations has led to a rapid rise in the stray dog population in Delhi, consequently causing an increase in dog attack incidents.