Stray Dogs in Delhi: A Balancing Act

Delhi, India's capital, is grappling with a significant challenge: managing its large population of stray dogs while ensuring public safety. The city is estimated to have nearly one million stray dogs, leading to a complex situation that divides residents.

On one side are animal lovers like Megha Malhotra, who regularly feed stray dogs in her residential area. "I enjoy taking care of them and feeding them," she says. However, she's noticed growing tension among her neighbors who worry about potential dog attacks.

On the other side are residents like Chetna Singh, who express concerns about safety. "My husband and I are scared of sending our children out to play unsupervised. What happens if a dog bites them?" she asks.

The issue has gained attention following a recent Supreme Court order. The court ruled that stray dogs should be vaccinated, sterilized, and returned to their neighborhoods, except for aggressive dogs or those with rabies. The court also banned feeding strays in public spaces, asking authorities to designate specific feeding areas.

Experts believe that sterilization and vaccination are the best long-term solutions for managing the dog population and reducing rabies cases. However, they emphasize that at least 70% of stray dogs in an area need to be sterilized to effectively control the population.