India has nearly 12 crore dogs, with over 8 lakh in Delhi alone, and around 2,000 dog bite cases are reported daily. The situation demands immediate attention. Despite this, no official counting of street dogs has been done in the last 15 years, making it harder to plan any effective policy.

The Delhi High Court has rightly emphasized the need to keep dogs in shelters, even though adequate funds have not yet been raised. The intention is noble and must be turned into action through government and public support. Without proper data and shelter, the problem will continue to grow. Moreover, the Supreme Court and AWBI guidelines, along with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, highlight the importance of sterilization, vaccination, and responsible feeding. But without shelters, implementing these becomes ineffective.

Removing dogs forcefully is cruel and creates an ecological vacuum, attracting more unvaccinated dogs. The solution lies in a multi-pronged approach: conducting a fresh census, building more shelters, funding ABC programs, and raising public awareness. Providing shelter is not only a safety measure but also a moral responsibility, ensuring harmony between humans and animals in our urban spaces.