New Delhi, Aug 22 – The Supreme Court on Friday eased its earlier directive requiring the permanent relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region to shelters, calling the previous order “too harsh” and impractical to implement.
The bench – comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria – acknowledged that its August 11 order, which prohibited the release of vaccinated dogs, had been issued without a thorough review of municipal infrastructure and manpower. The court said a blanket directive to remove all strays could create a “catch-22 situation” due to logistical challenges.
Key Modifications to the August 11 Order
- Stray dogs may now be released after sterilisation, except in cases where they display aggressive behaviour or test positive for rabies.
- Feeding strays in public places remains prohibited, but dedicated feeding zones will be established in each ward.
- Municipal authorities will set up helplines to report violations and incidents involving stray dogs.
- Animal activists and other individuals are barred from interfering with sterilisation and vaccination drives.
Animal Birth Control (ABC) Guidelines to be Followed
The court said the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules, which mandate sterilisation and the return of strays to their original locality, will continue to guide municipal efforts to manage the stray population.
Mixed Reactions
The revised ruling was welcomed by animal rights groups, including PETA India, which hailed it with the statement, “Every dog has her day.” Congress MP Rahul Gandhi described the decision as a “compassionate approach” that balances public safety with animal welfare.
Former Union Minister and animal rights advocate Maneka Gandhi also praised the order but urged the court to clarify what constitutes an “aggressive” dog.
Background
The earlier directive followed a surge in dog bite incidents, with over 25,000 reported in Delhi during 2024 and more than 3,000 in January 2025 alone. However, the sweeping measures triggered strong protests from activists and legal challenges that led to Friday’s softened stance.
