Supreme Court BLOCKS Controversial Dog Culling Plan

A controversial policy to clear Delhi of stray dogs for the G20 summit raises ethical concerns and legal challenges.

Story Snapshot

• India’s Supreme Court intervened to partially reverse a large-scale removal of stray dogs in Delhi.
• The removal aimed to beautify the city for the G20 summit but faced backlash from activists.
• Animal welfare organizations condemned the removals as illegal and inhumane.
• Post-summit, dogs were released back into the city, causing confusion and distress.

Stray Dog Removal Sparks Controversy

In early August 2023, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) initiated a plan to remove stray dogs from public areas in preparation for the G20 summit. The effort was intended to improve the city’s image for international delegates attending the event in September. However, the large-scale removal operation sparked significant protests from animal activists and welfare organizations, who raised concerns about the ethical treatment of the animals.

The plan to remove stray dogs from 47 key locations across Delhi drew quick backlash. Activists highlighted the lack of written orders and documented cases of rough handling and separation of mother dogs from their pups. The Supreme Court of India intervened in September 2023, observing that rounding up tens of thousands of stray dogs was impractical and directing authorities to ensure humane treatment, as reported by The Indian Express. This intervention underscored the tension between city beautification efforts and humane treatment of animals.

Legal and Ethical Challenges

Animal welfare organizations, such as People For Animals, condemned the removals as illegal, citing the absence of formal orders and allegations of cruelty. Legal commentators such as senior advocate Dushyant Dave noted that the Court’s decision underscored both legal and practical obstacles to such a large-scale removal plan. Policy analysts have pointed out that the episode highlighted gaps in India’s urban animal management framework, with experts recommending long-term approaches like sterilization, vaccination, and community adoption.

The backlash from activists led to increased scrutiny of the MCD’s actions, with public opinion swaying towards humane alternatives. The controversy placed pressure on city officials to balance international image management with ethical obligations. The incident also brought India’s animal welfare standards under international scrutiny, reflecting broader debates about humane urban animal management.

Aftermath and Future Implications

Following the G20 summit, the unplanned release of dogs back into the city raised further concerns about their welfare and reintegration. Activists, including members of Humane Society International India, reported signs of disorientation among released animals and warned of potential long-term behavioral impacts. The episode’s aftermath suggests ongoing challenges for city authorities in managing urban animal populations ethically and effectively.

NEW – India walks back order to clear Delhi of stray dogshttps://t.co/eDVA8S8OYe

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 22, 2025

The incident has sparked discussions about the need for a more comprehensive approach to urban animal management, balancing public safety and aesthetic concerns with the humane treatment of stray animals. As pressure mounts from both domestic and international observers, Delhi’s authorities may need to implement more sustainable strategies to address the issue while respecting animal welfare.

Sources:

India walks back order to clear Delhi of stray dogs ahead of G20 summit
Stray dogs picked up in illegal, cruel fashion in the wake of G20 summit
Stray dogs released in unplanned manner after G20 summit