New Delhi: The Supreme Court today revisited its earlier ruling on the handling of stray dogs, bringing significant modifications to the August 11 order, which had barred the release of dogs picked up from the Delhi-NCR region.
A three-judge bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath, along with Justices Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria, clarified that dogs captured by municipal bodies must be sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated, and then released back into the same locality. The bench, however, made an exception for strays suffering from rabies, suspected rabies, or displaying aggressive behaviour. Such animals, the court stated, should not be returned to the streets but rather housed in shelters or pounds after undergoing necessary medical procedures.
The top court went beyond the Delhi-NCR context, extending its directions across all States and Union Territories, thereby widening the scope of the case. It also indicated that related cases pending in various High Courts would be transferred to the Supreme Court for the development of a comprehensive national policy on stray dogs.
Key Directions Issued by the Court
-
Municipal authorities must continue with the creation of shelters and dog pounds as previously ordered.
-
The blanket prohibition on releasing picked-up strays has been suspended; only sterilised and vaccinated dogs free from rabies or aggression can return to their localities.
-
Dogs deemed aggressive or rabies-infected are to be isolated in separate shelters after treatment.
-
Municipal bodies must set up dedicated feeding zones in each ward, with clear signboards. Feeding dogs on public streets will not be permitted, and violators may face action.
-
A dedicated helpline must be established by each civic authority for reporting violations.
-
No person or organisation is allowed to obstruct municipal staff during dog-catching operations. Obstruction will invite legal consequences.
-
NGOs and individuals involved in the case have been directed to deposit sums of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 25,000, respectively, with the court, which will be used for building dog-care infrastructure.
-
Animal lovers wishing to adopt strays may apply to local authorities. Once adopted, the responsibility of care and ensuring the animal does not return to the streets will rest with the adopter.
While reading out the order, Justice Nath remarked that a “holistic approach” was necessary to balance public safety with humane treatment of strays. The bench also emphasised that unregulated feeding of dogs on roads has led to repeated conflicts and must be managed responsibly.
The matter will now be monitored by the Supreme Court to work towards a uniform, nationwide framework for managing the stray dog population.
