Shelter Shortfall: Mumbai Struggles With Supreme Court’s Stray Dog Relocation Mandate

Mumbai’s civic authorities are grappling with a massive infrastructure challenge following the Supreme Court’s recent order mandating the relocation of stray dogs to designated shelters after sterilisation and vaccination. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) revealed that the city has over 90,000 stray dogs but only eight operational shelters, raising serious concerns about the feasibility of implementing the court’s directive.

The Supreme Court issued the order on November 7, 2025, in response to a suo motu case addressing the rising incidents of dog bites in public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and railway stations. The court emphasized that the recurrence of such incidents reflected systemic failure and administrative apathy, and called for immediate action.

Key Highlights:  
Stray Dog Population: Mumbai’s estimated stray dog count stands at 90,000, spread across residential, commercial, and institutional zones.

Shelter Capacity: The city currently operates only eight shelters, far below the required capacity to house sterilised and vaccinated dogs as per the Supreme Court’s mandate.

Court Directive: The apex court ordered the removal of stray dogs from public premises and their relocation to shelters, stating that releasing them back into the same areas defeats the purpose of sterilisation.

Civic Response: BMC officials acknowledged the gap and stressed the urgent need to build more shelters. They also highlighted the ongoing Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, which has been active since 2014.

Public Sentiment: Some institutions, like Tulip English School in Andheri, have requested permission to retain community dogs on campus, citing emotional bonds and responsible care.

National Scope: The Supreme Court’s order applies to all states and Union Territories, directing them to fence key public spaces and remove stray animals from highways and institutional zones within eight weeks.

The relocation order has triggered a city-wide reassessment of animal welfare infrastructure, with civic bodies now racing against time to expand shelter capacity and ensure humane compliance.

Sources: Free Press Journal, Rediff, Economic Times, New Indian Express, Gulf News.