NEW DELHI– The Supreme Court of India has eased its earlier sweeping order on stray dog management in the Delhi-NCR region, ruling Friday that a total ban on releasing treated animals was “too harsh” and impractical.
A three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, along with Justices Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria, said sterilized, dewormed, and vaccinated stray dogs should be released back into their local areas in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. However, dogs infected with rabies, suspected of carrying the disease, or displaying aggressive behavior must not be returned to the streets under any circumstances.
The court was hearing a suo motu case titled “In Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price.” The bench observed that a blanket direction to move all strays into shelters or pounds “may lead to a catch-22 situation” given the lack of adequate infrastructure.
While softening its stance on relocation, the court imposed strict restrictions on feeding practices. Municipal bodies have been ordered to designate specific feeding zones in each ward and put up notice boards. Feeding dogs on streets is now prohibited, and violators will face action under relevant laws. Authorities must also set up helplines for reporting violations, the court directed.
“No one shall obstruct implementation of these orders,” the bench warned, adding that individuals who prevent public officials from carrying out directions will face prosecution.
The court also gave animal lovers the option to formally adopt street dogs through municipal authorities. Adopted dogs will be tagged and placed under the adopter’s care, with the responsibility of ensuring they do not return to public spaces.
Additionally, the bench directed individual petitioners and NGOs involved in the case to deposit security amounts — Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh respectively — within seven days, with funds to be used for stray dog infrastructure.
Expanding the scope of the case nationwide, the Supreme Court ordered all states and Union Territories to report on their compliance with the ABC Rules and provide data on dog shelters, veterinarians, animal control staff, and specialized vehicles. The registry has also been instructed to collect details of similar petitions pending before High Courts so they can be transferred to the Supreme Court for a uniform approach.
The matter will be reviewed again in eight weeks after civic bodies and state governments submit compliance reports.
The ruling modifies an earlier order by a two-judge bench that had directed authorities to immediately capture all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and relocate them to shelters — a move that sparked widespread criticism from animal rights groups and citizens. (Source: IANS)
