New Delhi, August 22: The Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier suo motu order that had mandated the confinement of all stray dogs to shelters across Delhi-NCR. The court now permits the release of sterilised and vaccinated stray dogs back to their original habitats, except for those infected with rabies or displaying aggressive behaviour.
A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria stated, “The earlier prohibition on release shall remain in abeyance. The dogs, once dewormed and vaccinated, shall be returned to the same area.”
The court also directed that public feeding of dogs will not be permitted. Instead, dedicated feeding spaces must be created, with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) tasked with establishing these areas in all municipal wards. Additionally, animal lovers can apply to the MCD for dog adoption.
Expanding the scope of its proceedings on stray dog management, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Secretaries of Animal Husbandry Departments of all states and Union Territories, seeking responses on framing a national policy to tackle the issue. The Registry has also been instructed to collect information on all pending stray dog cases in High Courts, which will be transferred to the Supreme Court for consolidated action.
Petitioner and Supreme Court lawyer Nanita Sharma hailed the verdict as a “balanced order,” noting that it mandates sterilisation for regular dogs, sheltering of aggressive dogs, and the establishment of designated feeding areas by the MCD.
