Supreme Court Revises Stray Dog Order, Allows Sterilised Dogs to Roam Delhi-NCR Streets

New Delhi, August 22 (TNA) In a significant decision, the Supreme Court of India has modified its earlier order regarding stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, allowing sterilised strays to be released back onto the streets after treatment. Previously, the court had mandated that all stray dogs be rounded up and permanently moved to shelters to make the region’s streets free of strays.

The revised order, delivered by a three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, states that only aggressive or rabies-infected dogs are to remain in shelters, while others must be returned to their original localities after sterilisation following Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules.

The court also warned against any obstruction to ABC programmes, emphasising the importance of humane population control measures. Importantly, the Supreme Court has prohibited public feeding of stray dogs and directed municipal authorities to establish designated feeding zones within every ward. This move aims to maintain public order while ensuring the welfare of the animals.

Expanding the scope of the issue, the bench has ordered that all similar stray dog cases pending before high courts nationwide be transferred to the Supreme Court for the development of a unified national policy. The court’s earlier order had received strong criticism and resistance from animal activists and public figures, prompting a reconsideration.

With this modification, the Supreme Court strikes a balance between animal welfare and public safety, keeping the ABC rules in force until a final national policy is put in place.