ISTANBUL

The Indian Supreme Court ordered on Monday that all stray dogs in the capital, Delhi, be relocated from residential areas to designated shelters, the Indian Express reported.

The court instructed the Delhi government, civic bodies, and local authorities to complete the relocation process within eight weeks.

It also ordered the construction of dog shelters within that timeframe and required authorities to keep daily records of captured dogs, threatening legal action against animal activists who interfered with the removal process.

According to the most recent available data, India's 2012 Livestock Census, approximately 60,000 stray dogs live on Delhi's streets. However, current estimates indicate that the number could be much higher, with packs of stray dogs frequently seen roaming parks and neighborhoods.

The World Health Organization notes that India is responsible for over one-third of the world’s rabies fatalities, a situation worsened by insufficient sterilization efforts and laws that limit dog culling.