Supreme Court Modifies Order on Stray Dogs: Sterilised Dogs Can Return to Streets, Feeding Only in Designated Areas
New Delhi: A Major Shift in Supreme Court’s Order on Stray Dogs
In a significant decision affecting Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court of India has modified its earlier order that required all stray dogs to be rounded up and permanently moved to shelters. The new ruling allows sterilised dogs to be released back into their original localities, in line with Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules.
However, the court made it clear that public feeding of stray dogs will no longer be permitted. Instead, municipal authorities must set up dedicated feeding areas within each ward.
What the Supreme Court Said
A three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria passed the modified order after reviewing strong objections raised by animal activists and public figures.
Justice Vikram Nath, reading out the order, said:
- Sterilised, dewormed, and vaccinated dogs must be released back into the same locality.
- Dogs identified with aggressive behaviour or rabies should be treated but not released.
- Public feeding of strays is strictly prohibited. Municipal bodies must create dedicated feeding spots, and violators will face legal action.
- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been directed to set up a helpline for reporting violations.
- Dog lovers can apply for adoption, but once adopted, dogs cannot be abandoned back on the streets.
The bench also decided that all similar stray dog-related matters pending before various high courts will now be transferred to the Supreme Court for framing a final national policy.
Reaction to the Verdict
The decision has drawn mixed reactions.
- Animal rights activist and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi welcomed the ruling but urged the court to clearly define what constitutes “aggressive behaviour”, fearing misuse of the clause.
- Residents in parts of Noida and Gurugram expressed concern, saying the earlier order to keep dogs permanently in shelters would have been more effective in reducing the growing number of stray dog bites.
Why the Court Revisited the Order
On August 11, a different bench of the Supreme Court had ordered that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be captured and moved to shelters within eight weeks. The decision came in response to alarming figures showing 37 lakh dog bites and 54 suspected rabies deaths in 2024.
Authorities were instructed to build shelters for at least 5,000 dogs, but the order sparked widespread criticism. Animal welfare groups, celebrities, and experts argued that:
- Shelters lacked adequate infrastructure.
- The plan would impose huge financial strain on civic bodies.
- Removing dogs from their original habitats would be ineffective in controlling population growth.
Following the backlash, Chief Justice BR Gavai directed a re-examination of the order by another bench, leading to today’s modification.
Implications of the New Ruling
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a balance between public safety and animal rights. By adhering to ABC rules, the focus will be on sterilisation and vaccination rather than mass removal.
Key takeaways:
- Public feeding banned except in designated areas.
- Sterilised dogs to return to their localities, preserving ecological balance.
- Aggressive or rabies-infected dogs will remain sheltered.
- Civic bodies now carry the responsibility of implementing the rules and ensuring compliance.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
The modified ruling reflects the Supreme Court’s effort to strike a middle ground in the ongoing debate over stray dogs. While it addresses public health concerns by enforcing sterilisation and banning random feeding, it also safeguards the rights of animals by preventing mass displacement.
The challenge, however, lies in implementation. Municipal bodies will need to expand sterilisation drives, monitor feeding zones, and manage complaints—all within limited budgets and resources. For residents, the ruling brings both relief and responsibility, as the issue of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR enters a new phase of regulation.