The Supreme Court on Friday revised its earlier stance on the issue of stray dogs in Delhi, setting aside a previous two-judge bench directive that called for their complete removal from the streets. Instead, the apex court has placed focus on sterilization, vaccination, and regulated care of the animals.
A three-judge bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria ruled that stray dogs must be picked up by the authorities, sterilized, vaccinated, and then returned to their original locations. However, the court introduced exceptions: dogs suffering from rabies or displaying aggressive behavior will be retained in shelters and not released back on the streets.
Importantly, the court also prohibited public feeding of stray dogs on roads. Municipal bodies have been directed to designate specific feeding zones where animal lovers and NGOs may provide food under proper supervision. Violations of this order could lead to legal action, with the court further instructing that a helpline be established for citizens to report grievances.
The bench also ordered the creation of shelters capable of housing at least 5,000 stray dogs and directed municipal authorities to submit affidavits detailing how the order will be implemented, including manpower availability and operational plans.
In addition, the Supreme Court extended the scope of this case beyond Delhi, issuing notices to states and Union Territories, and consolidating similar pending cases from various high courts. A nationwide framework is likely to emerge from these hearings, which will be taken up again after eight weeks.
Animal welfare groups and activists in Delhi have welcomed the judgment, calling it a balanced approach that safeguards public safety while ensuring humane treatment of stray dogs. They stressed that not all stray dogs can be branded as “violent” or “dangerous” without evidence, and that sterilization and vaccination programs are the most effective long-term solutions.
