A New Chapter for Stray Dogs in India’s Capital
The streets of New Delhi have long been home to a thriving population of stray dogs, affectionately known as “Indies.” For years, these animals have coexisted with the city’s residents, often forming bonds with local caretakers who feed and care for them. Among them is Himanshi Varma, a dedicated feeder who has spent seven years tending to the needs of these strays, including sterilizing over 500 animals and finding homes for many more.
Varma’s daily ritual involves carrying bags of khichdi, a traditional dish, through the neighborhood where she feeds the dogs. Her compassion has created a quiet pact with the strays, who have become like family to her. However, this delicate balance was disrupted when a Supreme Court order threatened to upend their lives.
The Legal Battle Over Stray Dogs
In August 2025, the Indian Supreme Court issued an order that sent shockwaves through animal welfare communities. The court, responding to reports of dog attacks—including instances where children had been mauling—ordered that all stray dogs in the capital be rounded up and placed in shelters within eight weeks. This directive sparked widespread panic among animal lovers and organizations, who argued that the city lacked the infrastructure to accommodate the estimated one million stray dogs.
The situation took a turn on Friday when a special three-judge bench reviewed the matter and issued a stay on the original ruling. The new decision clarified that stray dogs picked up by authorities would be sterilized and immunized before being released back into their neighborhoods. Only those deemed rabid or overly aggressive would remain in shelters. This compromise brought relief to many who had feared the worst.
The Controversial Decision
The initial intervention by the Supreme Court was both swift and controversial, given India’s cultural reverence for animals. While the 2001 law mandates that strays be sterilized and vaccinated before release, implementation has proven challenging due to limited resources and veterinary infrastructure. The sheer number of stray dogs—estimated at 62 million across the country—has made it difficult to keep up with their rapid breeding cycle.
Rabies remains a significant concern, as it is almost always fatal if not treated promptly. In India, where 36% of global rabies deaths occur, the risk of transmission from stray dogs is a pressing issue. Many residents, like medical student Shriya Ramani, express fear of encountering stray dogs, particularly at night. Others, like Arjun Sen, whose son was bitten, advocate for immediate removal of strays from the streets.
The Struggle for Shelter
Animal shelters across the country are struggling to cope with the overwhelming demand. Devi, a veterinarian in Delhi, runs a small sterilization unit that can house only 100 strays at a time. She expressed concerns about the feasibility of the Supreme Court’s original order, citing the lack of funding and capacity in existing shelters.
In Gurugram, the Janm Foundation’s shelter faces similar challenges. Meenakshi Bareja, who cares for 78 dogs, highlights the financial strain on the facility. With a monthly budget shortfall of 500,000 rupees ($5,700), the shelter is constantly under pressure. Many of the dogs require long-term care due to injuries or health issues, further complicating the situation.
A Relieved Community
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the revised ruling, many animal lovers, including Varma, are grateful for the reprieve. While questions remain about what constitutes an aggressive dog, the decision offers a glimmer of hope for the strays she calls her “kids.”
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the dogs receive proper care, vaccinations, and sterilization. As Varma puts it, “All that matters is that our kids’ stomachs are filled up. They should be treated, vaccinated, and sterilized.”
