Concerned over the increasing cases of dog bites in Delhi, the Delhi High Court has directed the city government to formulate a policy for the institutional rehabilitation of community dogs.

The directive, issued on May 21 and made public later, came during a hearing on a plea by Pratima Devi, an 80-year-old woman whose makeshift dog shelter in Saket was demolished by the MCD.

The court acknowledged frequent dog bite incidents being reported and emphasized the need for a policy to gradually remove stray dogs from public streets. However, experts believe this could conflict with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which prohibit permanent relocation of stray dogs except for sterilisation and vaccination.

Once treated, dogs are required to be returned to their original locations, with detailed records maintained - highlighting a potential clash between judicial directions and existing law.