Passengers and staff at Delhi International Airport (DEL) have reported an alarming rise in dog bite incidents from several stray dogs who call the airport home, although officials say the dogs aren’t going anywhere.
In fact, Delhi Airport is walking a bit of a legal tightrope as it tries to deal with the stray dogs that have been a familiar sight for years for frequent travelers and airport staffers as they exit the airport terminal.
The legal tension dates back to a series of court orders that were made in 2025 in an attempt to deal with the growing issue of stray dogs, that estimate around one million in Delhi alone.
A two-judge panel first ruled that every single stray dog should be rounded up and relocated, but following a national outcry led by PETA India, the ruling was overturned and replaced with a new order that mandated stray dogs be sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated, and then returned to where they were found.
A third ruling towards the end of last year allowed officials to relocate stray dogs found near schools, government offices, and transport hubs, like bus stations and even airports.
The problem, however, is that the issue of how to deal with India’s stray dog issue is incredibly emotive, so Delhi Airport has decided not to relocate the stray dogs that call the airport home.
Even so, the airport is facing a backlash from some flyers who have accused it of fabricating dog bite incidents as a means to remove dogs from the area.
“Several community dogs live across the three terminals and are being regularly cared for and fed by our team, strictly following veterinary-prescribed guidelines to ensure their health and balanced behaviour,” the airport said in a social media post on Tuesday, aimed at calming the growing tension.
“Rising incidents of dog bites are a matter of genuine concern, and ensuring safety—for both people and animals—requires collective responsibility,” the statement added.
“We strongly urge all flyers and visitors to avoid feeding them in public areas or engaging in any actions that may unintentionally provoke them.”
A spokesperson added that one dog had reportedly recently bitten two people, but, rather than being euthanized, the dog was “carefully handled, calmed, and gently returned to its familiar area.”
“Our approach remains rooted in care, safety, and responsible management,” the statement continued.
The social media post divided opinions, with some people accusing the airport of lying about the dog bite incidents and demanding proof that anyone had been bitten by a stray dog.
On the flipside, other people pointed out the culture shock that some travelers experience as soon as they walk out of the airport, only to be surrounded by stray dogs.
