In a heartwarming display of community action, the Campus Law Centre at Delhi University has demonstrated that compassion and initiative can solve complex urban challenges. The institution recently shared their inspiring success story with the Supreme Court, showcasing how students and faculty came together to create their own animal welfare cell.

Rather than waiting for overwhelmed municipal authorities to address the stray dog population on campus, the law centre's community took matters into their own hands. Their proactive approach has yielded impressive results: identifying 49 stray dogs on their premises and successfully vaccinating and sterilizing 28 of them with veterinary assistance. Most encouragingly, their efforts have stabilized the stray population, preventing further growth while ensuring humane treatment of the animals.

The initiative emerged from a recognition that traditional bureaucratic channels were stretched thin. With only five government-owned dog shelters across the entire country—located in Chandigarh, Kanpur, Jammu, Srinagar, and Noida—and private shelters operating at full capacity, creative community-based solutions were needed.

During Thursday's Supreme Court hearing before a three-judge bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath, the centre's counsel advocated for replicating this model across educational and public institutions nationwide. The suggestion represents a promising shift toward empowering communities to take ownership of animal welfare in their immediate environments.

The case has sparked important conversations about balancing human safety with animal welfare. The Supreme Court's November 2025 order directed states to relocate stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, and other public spaces to designated shelters after proper sterilization and vaccination, in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules of 2023.

Animal rights advocates participating in the hearings emphasized the importance of proper implementation rather than abandonment of existing animal welfare frameworks. They highlighted that strays play a role in urban ecosystems, including natural rodent control. Justice Sandeep Mehta engaged with this point, acknowledging the interconnected nature of urban wildlife management.

Legal experts arguing for animal welfare stressed that the solution lies not in removing existing protections but in ensuring authorities comply with established rules. They advocated for accountability measures to ensure the ABC Rules are properly implemented.

The Delhi University model offers a blueprint for sustainable, community-driven animal welfare. By combining legal education with practical compassion, students are learning valuable lessons about civic responsibility while making their campus safer and more humane for everyone.

This grassroots approach demonstrates that when communities unite around shared challenges, they can create meaningful change without waiting for top-down solutions. The animal cell's success shows how education, veterinary science, and community engagement can work together to address urban animal welfare issues effectively.

As the Supreme Court continues deliberations, the Campus Law Centre's initiative stands as a beacon of hope—proving that empowered communities, equipped with knowledge and resources, can create lasting positive change for both humans and animals sharing urban spaces.