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Supreme Court Modifies Stray Dog Order: Sterilization, No Public Feeding, National Policy on the Way

The Supreme Court of India has issued significant modifications to its earlier order regarding stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. In a landmark decision, the apex court clarified that while stray dogs can be sterilized and vaccinated, they must be released back to their original localities unless they are aggressive or infected with rabies.

No Public Feeding, Dedicated Feeding Zones Mandated

One of the most notable directives in the new order is the prohibition of public feeding of stray dogs. The court has made it clear that feeding dogs on roads or open spaces will not be permitted under any circumstances. Instead, municipal bodies have been instructed to create dedicated feeding spaces within each municipal ward to ensure safe and organized feeding. Violators of this rule will face legal action, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will soon launch a helpline to report such violations.

Sterilization and Vaccination Under Animal Birth Control Rules

The Supreme Court has directed that Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules will govern the process of population control for stray dogs. This means all captured dogs will undergo sterilization, vaccination, and deworming before being sent back to their original localities. Dogs that exhibit aggressive behaviour or suffer from rabies infections will not be released into public areas.

The Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria emphasized that obstructing sterilization and vaccination services will not be tolerated. Municipal authorities have been instructed to comply strictly with the guidelines in paras 12, 12.1, and 12.2 of the ABC Rules.

National Policy on Stray Dogs in the Making

In a major move, the Supreme Court expanded the scope of the stray dog issue nationwide. All similar cases pending in various High Courts will now be transferred to the Supreme Court to frame a uniform national policy on stray dog management. This step comes after multiple controversies and legal disputes across the country regarding stray dog control and public safety.

Mixed Reactions from Activists and Citizens

The court’s earlier directive to round up all stray dogs and keep them in shelters faced severe criticism from animal activists and celebrities. They argued that such a measure was expensive and impractical. Responding to this backlash, the Supreme Court modified its stance while ensuring public safety.

PETA India, in its statement, welcomed the decision, saying, “Every dog has her day—today is for Sheru at the tea stall, Rani at the mandir steps, and Moti in the society grounds.” Former Union Minister and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi also supported the order but suggested clearer definitions of what constitutes “aggressive behaviour.”

Adoption and Public Responsibility

Animal lovers can now apply for adoption of stray dogs through the MCD. However, the court warned that adopted dogs must not be abandoned back on the streets. The judgment also reiterated the importance of community participation in ensuring humane treatment of animals while maintaining public health and safety.

Background and Reasons for Policy Change

The issue gained prominence after a surge in dog-bite cases in Delhi-NCR. Reports show that 37 lakh dog-bite cases and 54 suspected rabies deaths were recorded in 2024. The earlier court order mandated all stray dogs to be shifted to shelters, but after extensive hearings and strong public opposition, the order was revised to strike a balance between animal rights and human safety.

The Supreme Court’s new guidelines aim to create a humane yet practical approach to managing stray dogs across India. With the upcoming national policy, authorities hope to control the stray dog population while ensuring public safety, animal welfare, and legal compliance.