Dispute over stray dogs in India: U-turn after protests

An earlier decision by the court, according to which all stray dogs should be caught and taken to animal shelters, was overturned after massive public criticism.

Weeks of protests from animal rights activists

On August 11, the Supreme Court had ordered the authorities in the National Capital Region (NCR) - which includes New Delhi and its suburbs - to take stray dogs to animal shelters. This was due to growing concerns about dog bites and rabies.

This order led to weeks of protests and objections from animal rights activists and dog lovers. Celebrities such as film stars and politicians also expressed their outrage on social media.

Number of stray dogs in India has increased

Despite a neutering and vaccination program, the number of stray dogs across India has increased rapidly, as have cases of dog bites and rabies. An estimated 800,000 stray dogs live in the Indian capital itself. According to SK Yadav, an official in charge of the local government's animal welfare program, at least 26,000 dog bites have been reported so far this year.

The Indian street dogs are mostly a distinct indigenous breed known as Indian Pariah or Desi Dog. They can be seen everywhere - in front of houses and in markets. They usually mark their territory, are fed by the local population and act as "night watchmen" announcing the arrival of strangers.