New Delhi, Aug. 14 -- A six-year-old's death in Delhi recently due to a dog bite prompted a Supreme Court directive that has sparked widespread furore.

On Monday, the apex court directed municipal authorities to pick up and house all stray dogs in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) in dedicated shelters within eight weeks. This led to widespread outrage among citizens and animal advocacy groups who are concerned that the order may set a precedent for other cities and towns. On Thursday, the top court reserved its order on a plea seeking an interim stay on the 11 August order.

To be sure, India has one of the highest burdens of rabies deaths globally, with dog bites being the primary cause. An estimated 5,700 people die...