On 25th May 2022, the Delhi High Court filed a PIL asking Delhi Government to arrange vaccination for stray animals against life-threatening and contagious diseases like Canine distemper and Canine parvovirus.

“The infected dog dies a painful death after intense suffering. It causes severe illness in the host by attacking multiple body systems that are difficult to treat” the plea said.

The appeal highlighted how stray dogs are neglected in society and not providing them the essential healthcare services would eventually have an impact on the people of the city.

As pointed out by the petitioner, Rahul Mohod, there are only 2 ambulances in Delhi for almost 21 lakh dogs. There is unavailability of any relevant helpline number for reporting the stray dogs requiring medical attention.

On the other hand, Standing Counsel SK Tripathi claimed that there is no research suggesting that the stated diseases are responsible for the deaths, and in fact, there is no vaccine available for it but immunity boosters could be a possibility.

The Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi directed the respondent authorities and municipal corporation to consider all the issues and come up with “a clear and considered stand” in its counter-affidavit to be filed within 6 weeks.