Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal made a surprise inspection of a government-run animal hospital in Delhi, revealing alarming conditions and raising serious concerns about the state of animal healthcare in the national capital. Maliwal shared a video from her visit, describing the situation as “deeply saddening,” citing the lack of basic amenities like electricity and water. The facility reportedly operates with only one multi-tasking staff (MTS) member, who manages both medical distribution and cleaning, while doctors are available only once a week.
The video also highlights severe shortages of medicines and showcases the operation theatre in a condition resembling a storage room. Maliwal noted that nearly 50 to 60 animals visit the facility daily, yet the infrastructure and staffing remain woefully inadequate. She stated that Delhi lacks a proper veterinary healthcare system and vowed to raise the issue in Parliament to demand improvements.
This revelation comes amid ongoing national outrage over the Supreme Court’s recent interim order to clear stray dogs off Delhi-NCR streets within six to eight weeks. The order included mandates for shelters, mass sterilisation and vaccination drives, and installation of CCTV cameras to ensure dogs are not released back onto the streets.
The court’s directive was based on rising cases of dog bites and rabies, with over 35,000 bite incidents and 49 rabies infections reported in Delhi in the first half of 2025 alone. However, the ruling drew criticism from animal rights organisations and political leaders. Critics argue that the order contradicts the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023, which advocate for sterilisation, vaccination, and the return of stray dogs to their original locations. Estimated costs for implementing the order hover around ₹15,000 crore.
In response to the backlash, the Supreme Court revisited the order on August 14, admitting that poor enforcement of ABC norms contributed to the issue. The court withdrew its initial directive and a final verdict is still pending.
Maliwal’s visit to the dilapidated hospital further underlines the urgency of strengthening animal healthcare systems in Delhi. Her intervention not only amplifies calls for more humane solutions to the stray dog issue but also spotlights the broader neglect of veterinary infrastructure in urban India.
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