Listen To This Post

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday modified its August 11 directions on stray dogs, clarifying that canines rounded up in Delhi-NCR will not be permanently relocated to shelters but can be released back into the same areas after sterilisation, vaccination, and deworming.

A Bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala, along with Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria, ruled: “Prohibition on release of strays shall be stayed. They shall be dewormed, vaccinated, etc, and sent back to the same area.” However, it made it clear that dogs with rabies or aggressive behaviour would not be released.

Ban on Public Feeding

The court also prohibited the public feeding of stray dogs, directing authorities to create dedicated feeding spaces instead. Reading out the order in a packed courtroom, Justice Pardiwala remarked, “There have been instances due to such public feeding. It cannot be permitted.”

Towards a National Policy

Significantly, the top court expanded the scope of the suo motu PIL titled “City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price” and transferred to itself all stray dog–related cases pending in various high courts. It also issued notices to all states through their Animal Husbandry Secretaries, indicating its intent to frame a national policy on stray dogs after comprehensive hearings.“All similar matters shall be transferred to this court for a final national policy,” the Bench observed.

Deposits from Petitioners

In a bid to ensure accountability, the court directed individual petitioners to deposit ₹25,000 each and NGOs ₹2 lakh each. These amounts, it said, would be used to establish and maintain dog shelters.

The August 11 Directive

Earlier, on August 11, a two-judge Bench had ordered permanent relocation of all street dogs to shelters, citing repeated incidents of children, elderly persons, and vulnerable sections being attacked. It had observed: “We are conscious and sensitive of co-existence. The idea behind co-existence is not the existence of one’s life at the cost of the other.” It had strongly criticised animal rights activists, stating: “All these animal activists… will they bring back children who have fallen prey to rabies? Let’s take a practical view. When the situation demands, you have to act.”

However, after representations were made that the August 11 order conflicted with earlier Supreme Court judgments and statutory provisions, the matter was reassigned to the three-judge Bench.

Balancing Safety and Co-existence

Friday’s clarification marks a balancing step by the court—acknowledging the growing public safety concerns from stray dog attacks, while also recognising the principle of co-existence and the need for humane treatment of animals.

The matter will next be taken up after states file their responses, paving the way for a comprehensive national framework on stray dog management.