LUCKNOW, Aug. 11 -- The Supreme Court's directive to clear Delhi-NCR streets of stray dogs and relocate them to shelters has renewed focus on Lucknow, where a growing stray dog population and rising bite cases are testing civic preparedness.

On Monday, while hearing a case linked to rising dog attacks and rabies deaths in the national capital, the court termed the situation 'extremely grim' and ordered that dogs must not return to the streets. The ruling has triggered a nationwide debate on public safety, urban planning and animal welfare, with questions over whether Lucknow will act before a crisis prompts similar intervention.

According to Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) records, the city has about 80,000 stray dogs, despite over ...