The Delhi government on Tuesday dismissed media reports claiming that school teachers were deployed to conduct a citywide stray dog count, terming such claims as misinformation.
In an official press note, the Directorate of Education categorically clarified that no directions have been issued assigning any such duties to teachers. The clarification was issued after sections of the print media reported that teachers were being tasked with enumerating stray dogs across the city.
Delhi: The Directorate of Education clarified that it has issued no directions assigning specific duties to teachers, countering misinformation reported in sections of the print media. Acting on Supreme Court of India orders dated November 7, 2025, and subsequent meetings chaired… pic.twitter.com/GmdgqCMRz9
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“In view of misinformation being circulated in sections of the print media regarding the assignment of specific duties to teachers, it is hereby clarified that no such directions have been issued by the Directorate of Education,” the press note stated.
The clarification comes in the backdrop of safety-related directions issued following an order of the Supreme Courtdated November 7, 2025, in a suo motu case titled “City Hounded by Stray, Kids Pay Price.” The court had taken cognisance of incidents involving stray dogs, particularly affecting children, and sought measures to prevent such occurrences.
Subsequently, meetings were held at the level of the Urban Development Department and the Chief Secretary of the Government of NCT of Delhi. Based on these deliberations, the Directorate of Education issued circulars to heads of schools, offices and stadia, as well as letters to civic and local bodies including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB), Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
According to the press note, the instructions focus on preventive and safety measures, such as strengthening boundary walls and fencing to prevent the entry of stray dogs, appointing nodal officers in institutions, sharing institutional details with local authorities, conducting awareness programmes on animal safety and first aid, and ensuring round-the-clock security at stadiums and sports complexes.
The clarification comes in the wake of media reports that claimed that the Delhi government has deployed school teachers for the citywide stray dog count. In its clarification, the Delhi government stated that the responsibility for implementation has been assigned to heads of institutions and concerned civic bodies, not to teaching staff. There is no mention in the official communication of any dog census, survey, or enumeration exercise to be conducted by teachers.
The Directorate of Education emphasised that stray dog management falls within the jurisdiction of municipal and local authorities, and urged media outlets to verify official documents before reporting.
With the clarification, the Delhi government has sought to put to rest speculation and reports suggesting that teachers were being diverted from academic duties for a citywide stray dog count.
