🐾 Stray Dogs in India: Between Safety, Compassion, and a Crisis We Can’t Ignore!

The issue of stray dogs in India is no longer just a street-side concern—it’s a growing public health and ethical dilemma. Recently, a Supreme Court order directed that all stray dogs in Delhi–NCR be relocated to shelters, sparking outrage among animal rights activists and strong reactions from residents. Candle marches and protests have followed, along with calls for a more humane solution.

As a citizen and a writer, I feel the need to explore both sides of this issue—because this isn’t just about dogs or people. It’s about how we, as a society of 1.4 billion, choose to coexist.

 The Safety Problem: Rising Attacks and Public Concern

There’s no denying that stray dog attacks have become increasingly common, especially in Delhi. Over the past few years, reported dog bite cases have surged drastically, and sadly, many of the victims are children.

 Delhi–NCR: A Sharp Rise in Dog Bite Cases

• 2022: 6,691 reported dog bite cases
• 2023: 17,874 cases
• 2024: 25,210 cases

That’s a 277% increase in just two years, with hospitals overwhelmed by the number of bite victims.

At Safdarjung Hospital, 63,361 dog bite cases were recorded in 2021, and this rose sharply to 91,009 cases in the first seven months of 2025. Similar trends are seen at other major hospitals like RML and Bara Hindu Rao, reflecting a growing crisis.

Why Are IDSP and Hospital Data So Different?

It’s natural to wonder why the official government data from IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme) shows much lower numbers compared to hospital records. Here’s why:

• IDSP data records dog bite cases reported mainly through government health clinics and municipal health authorities. It does not include cases from private hospitals or local clinics, which handle a significant chunk of patients.
• Many people go directly to major hospitals like Safdarjung or RML for treatment without reporting to smaller government centers.
• Hospital records count every visit, including follow-ups for rabies vaccinations, which can mean one patient may be counted multiple times.
• Delhi being a metro hub sees patients from neighboring states as well, further increasing hospital case numbers.
• Due to these factors, actual dog bite cases are likely much higher than either data source alone suggests.

Both sources are accurate in their context but represent different scopes of data.

Stray Dogs and Other Stray Animals: Numbers That Matter

The stray animal population in India is vast and varied, with dogs being just one part of the picture.

• Delhi–NCR is estimated to have over 40 lakh (4 million) stray animals, including dogs, cows, bulls, and other livestock.
• Out of these, approximately 12 lakh (1.2 million) are stray dogs roaming the streets.
• Across India, estimates suggest around 3.5 crore (35 million) stray dogs, with millions more of other stray animals such as cattle wandering urban and rural areas.

These numbers highlight the scale of the challenge, and underscore the urgent need for systematic, humane management of all stray animals—not just dogs.

The Bigger Picture: Dog Bites and Rabies Across India

India as a whole has seen a massive surge in dog bite cases nationwide, with worrying outcomes.

Dog Bite and Rabies Data for India

• 2023:
  • Dog bite cases: 30,43,339
  • Rabies deaths: 286
• 2024:
  • Dog bite cases: 37,17,336
  • Suspected rabies deaths: 54
  • Over 5.19 lakh victims were children under 15 years

These numbers show a severe public health challenge that cannot be ignored.

The Other Side: Animal Welfare and Shelter Conditions

While it’s easy to say “move all dogs to shelters,” let’s talk about what that actually means.

India’s current shelter system is not equipped to handle this kind of mass relocation. Many facilities are overcrowded, underfunded, and unhygienic. Dogs are often confined in tiny spaces with little to no human interaction, leading to depression, aggression, or worse—neglect and death.

Removing sterilized, vaccinated street dogs who are peacefully coexisting with communities—often fed and cared for by locals—makes no sense. It also breaks the balance and could invite new, unsterilized packs into these vacated areas.

And let’s be honest: relocating lakhs of dogs won’t magically erase the problem unless there’s infrastructure, staff, and long-term planning in place.

 Not Just Dogs: Other Animals Also Deserve Our Care

It’s important to note that stray animals aren’t limited to dogs. Cows, bulls, and other animals roaming freely on busy streets are equally at risk and pose challenges for public safety and animal welfare.

As humans, we must ensure that none of these beautiful living creatures are left to wander aimlessly on streets. They deserve proper homes, care, and love—just as much as any pet or community dog.‍

 Balance is the Only Way Forward

I believe we need to stop thinking in extremes. We don’t need to choose either dogs or people. What we need is a middle path, one that respects human safety and animal rights.

Here’s what I propose:

1. Upgrade & Expand Shelters First

Before even thinking of relocating dogs, the government must build proper, humane shelters—not just dump yards with cages. These should have clean facilities, medical care, trained staff, and enough space.

2. Promote Adoption at Scale

Ask animal lovers and activists to adopt or foster dogs. If even 1% of Delhi’s population adopted a stray, it would change everything. Adoption campaigns should be promoted not just by NGOs, but by the government too.

3. Invest in Mass Sterilization & Vaccination

We need a scientific, city-wide sterilization plan. Alongside that, awareness programs should educate people on how to coexist with community dogs and what to do in case of a bite.

 When Celebrities Speak, People Listen

Stars like Tiger Shroff, Janhvi Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan have voiced their support for stray dogs, encouraging people to adopt instead of shop. Their involvement brings visibility—and it reminds us that compassion isn’t a luxury. It’s a responsibility.

🏁 Final Thoughts: It Starts With Us

We can’t ignore that dogs are biting people. And we can’t ignore that shelters are broken. The solution lies in not pitting humans against animals, but in asking a bigger question: What kind of society do we want to be?

Delhi, like many cities in India, is overwhelmed—by traffic, pollution, unemployment, and yes, stray dogs. But this won’t be solved by court orders alone. It’ll be solved when citizens step up, when adoption becomes common, when shelters are humane, and when policy is backed by infrastructure.

Until then, let’s be honest: neither relocating nor ignoring is the answer.

Aakriti