On December 18, 2025, the Supreme Court responded sharply to concerns over the new stray dog rules framed by Delhi's Municipal Corporation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal told the Court that the rules are "completely contrary" and cause "very very inhuman" treatment of dogs, with no adequate shelters in place. The Court told him, "On the next date, we will play a video for your benefit and we will ask you what is humanity." Mr. Sibal replied that they would also present a video showing the ground reality. The special three-judge Bench, headed by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, postponed the hearing to January 7, 2026. Justice Nath assured that even if the authorities start removing dogs before then, the Court would consider the matter carefully. The case was initiated after a media report highlighted a rise in stray dog bites causing rabies, especially among children in Delhi. On November 7, the Supreme Court had ordered the relocation of stray dogs after sterilization and vaccination, banning their release back to original areas. It also directed removal of stray animals from highways and institutional areas, citing "systemic failure" in managing the menace. The Court continues to grapple with balancing animal welfare and public safety concerns in the capital.