The Supreme Court’s directive to remove all stray dogs from the streets of Delhi and its suburbs within eight weeks is one of the most decisive interventions yet in addressing a public health and safety concern that has spiralled into a crisis. The court’s strong words on the “menace of dog bites leading to rabies” reflect both the urgency of the matter and the failure of municipal authorities to act decisively over the years. The problem is not new. Our country has one of the world’s largest stray dog populations, estimated at over 60 million, with Delhi alone home to hundreds of thousands. Poor waste management, inadequate sterilisation drives, and inconsistent enforcement of animal control laws have allowed the stray population to grow unchecked. The result has been alarming—rising incidents of dog bites, preventable deaths from rabies, and deepening fear among citizens, particularly children and the elderly. Public anger has often clashed with animal rights activism, leading to a deadlock where neither public safety nor animal welfare is adequately addressed. The court’s order attempts to break this paralysis by setting a clear, time-bound mandate: move all strays into shelters. Yet, this is easier said than done. Delhi’s existing shelter infrastructure is woefully inadequate. Many facilities are overcrowded, underfunded, and poorly maintained. Without massive investment in new shelters, trained staff, and proper veterinary care, there is a risk that the relocation could turn into a humanitarian disaster for the animals. The solution, therefore, must be two-pronged. First, immediate action to protect people—removing strays from high-risk areas, ensuring rapid medical response to bite victims, and vaccinating both people and animals. Second, a sustained, humane animal management programme—expanded sterilisation drives, mandatory pet registration, and public education campaigns about responsible ownership and rabies prevention. The court has rightly pointed out that years of lax enforcement and bureaucratic apathy have worsened the problem. Municipal bodies must be held responsible for meeting the eight-week deadline, with regular progress reports made public. Civil society and animal welfare organisations should be brought on board, not as adversaries but as partners in implementing a humane, sustainable strategy. Ultimately, this crisis is not about choosing between humans and animals—it is about protecting both. Stray dogs deserve care, safety, and dignity, but so do the millions of people who use the city’s streets every day. The Supreme Court’s intervention is a chance to reset policy, eliminate rabies deaths, and prove that compassion and public safety can coexist—if only the political will is as strong as the court’s words. If the capital can set an example now, it might just inspire the rest of the country including J&K to follow suit.