New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- The Supreme Court on August 11, 2025 directed the authorities concerned in the National Capital Territory of Delhi to immediately begin removing free-ranging dogs from localities and transferring them to dog shelters.

The directives come after the apex court on July 28, 2025 took suo motu cognisance of a news report about children and infants falling prey to rabies due to unvaccinated, free-ranging dogs.

As reported by legal news website Live Law, the court also warned that individuals or organisations obstructing the work of official institutions would face legal consequences. Authorities may use force if necessary to capture the strays, the court said.

Once picked up and placed in shelters, these dogs will not b...