Supreme Court Modifies Order on Stray Dogs

The Supreme Court modified its earlier directive and permitted the release of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR after sterilization and vaccination, overturning its August 11 order that barred their release from shelters. The ruling, delivered by a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, alongside Justices Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaraia, mandates that stray dogs be returned to their original areas, provided they are not infected with rabies, suspected of rabies, or displaying aggressive behavior.

The court has also mandated municipal authorities to establish dedicated feeding spaces for stray dogs, tailored to the population and stray dog concentration in each municipal ward. Feeding dogs on streets is now prohibited, with violators facing legal action under relevant frameworks. To enforce this, civic bodies must install notice boards near designated feeding areas, clearly stating that feeding is allowed only in those zones.

The bench has expanded the scope of this issue nationwide, impleading all states and Union Territories as parties and transferring related cases from various high courts to itself. The matter is set for further hearing in eight weeks. This decision stems from a suo motu case initiated on July 28, 2025, following media reports on stray dog bites and rabies cases, particularly affecting children in the capital.

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The August 11 directive had instructed authorities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad to round up stray dogs and relocate them to shelters. The modified order reflects a balanced approach, addressing public safety while considering animal welfare. As Delhi-NCR grapples with its stray dog population, the ruling aims to streamline management and reduce conflicts, with the nation watching how this policy unfolds.

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