In cities across the country, the feral animals are both loved and feared. The judges are forging into intensely emotional territory by going after the ones in the capital.

A comprehensive stray dog census, involving RWAs, municipal bodies, and animal feeders, is vital for an accurate assessment and targeted interventions.

India’s top court has ordered authorities in New Delhi to start removing all stray dogs from its streets and to sterilize and relocate them to shelters permanently.