The Supreme Court has formed a three-judge bench to review a controversial order directing the blanket removal of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. Now, a fresh hearing will take place on Thursday, August 14.

The decision came just hours after the matter was raised before Chief Justice BR Gavai in open court. Responding to the mention, he said, “I will look into it.”

Earlier two-judge order sparked outrage

On August 11, a two-judge bench had ruled that all stray dogs should be caught and moved to shelters. It set the next hearing for four weeks later. However, the case will now be heard sooner by Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria.

The earlier order asked authorities to round up 5,000 stray dogs within six to eight weeks. It also stated they must not be released back on the streets under any circumstances.

According to the detailed ruling published on the Supreme Court website, “The stray dogs shall be captured, sterilized, dewormed and immunized as required by Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.”

Public backlash and protests

The ruling faced strong opposition from politicians, celebrities, animal rights groups, and citizens. Critics argued that long-term scientific measures like sterilisation, vaccination, and community care could keep both people and animals safe without cruelty.

Four members of the Gandhi family – Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Varun Gandhi, and Maneka Gandhi, a well-known animal rights activist – voiced their objections.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted and strip us of compassion.. These voiceless souls are not ‘problems’ to be erased. Shelters, sterilisation, vaccination and community care can keep streets safe — without cruelty… We can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand.”

That same night, several animal lovers and activists were detained near India Gate while protesting against the order.

Animal rights group calls order illegal

PETA India described the directive as “impractical, illogical, and illegal,” adding that it violated humane and effective approaches to managing stray dog populations.