The recent Supreme Court proceedings on Delhi’s stray dog issue highlight a delicate balance between humanity towards animals and the constitutional duty to protect human life and safety. Context of the Supreme Court case The Supreme Court is hearing a suo motu matter titled “In Re: ‘City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay Price’” (SMW(C) No. 5/2025), triggered by disturbing reports of dog bites and rabies in Delhi, especially affecting children. The Court has already recorded that recurring incidents of dog bites in schools, hospitals, railway stations and sports complexes indicate serious administrative lapses and systemic failure in securing citizens’ right to safety under Article 21. The LiveLaw report and court exchange During the latest hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal challenged the rules framed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) as “very very inhuman”, arguing they run contrary to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.[1] The bench (Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sand...