‘Violation of SC order’: Animal activists allege JLN stadium barred re-entry of stray dogs; sports body defends move

The strays were picked up after two incidents of dog bites were reported at the stadium during the 12th World Para Athletics Championships — Kenyan sprint coach Dennis Mwanzo and Japanese assistant coach Mieko Okumatsu were bitten by stray dogs on October 3 at a warm-up track of the stadium.

In an order on October 8, the SAI directed that no dogs are to be allowed to enter the stadium premises and no persons shall be allowed to feed dogs inside the stadium.

The SAI source said, “We are not allowing dogs to be fed inside JLN Stadium since it was never their natural habitat — they wander in only when they are being fed inside. The order allows them (people) to feed stray dogs but not inside the stadium.”

On Thursday, activists had gathered outside the stadium, protesting that around 12 dogs were stuck inside the dog catching van for hours. In videos circulating online, the dogs were seen inside the cramped van, with some trying to push their noses through the iron bars.

Officials claimed that a few individuals gatecrashed the stadium, manhandling security guards while attempting to forcibly bring in dog vans and release the dogs within the stadium premises.

Ambika Shukla, trustee of People for Animals, said, “In 40 years, there have been no bite incidents in the stadium because the dogs were never caught but rather kept under the watch of the caretaker, as per the procedure, during any event.”

She claimed, “These dogs were not involved in the (bite) incident… we spoke with the coaches and the description does not match.”

SAI, in a statement on Thursday, said it reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for athletes, officials, and spectators across all its facilities.

“In accordance with the recent Supreme Court directions, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has brought back stray dogs to areas around the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. SAI has formally written to MCD requesting the creation of designated dog feeding points outside the stadium boundary to prevent recurrence of incidents of aggressive behaviour by stray dogs leading to dog bites reported during the World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC) 2025. Accordingly, MCD has informed that they have identified and designated 4–5 areas around the JLN Stadium for the same.”

A senior MCD official said that as per the directions of the SAI, around four-five feeding points have been created near the stadium. A total of 32 dogs were picked up inside and around the stadium, and have been released around the premises, the civic body official added.

The SAI official also said, “SAI remains committed both to adhering to the Supreme Court’s guidelines and ensuring the hygiene and safety of athletes and participants, especially ahead of upcoming events including the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.”

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