New Delhi, August 22 — The Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier order on stray dogs, ruling that dogs picked up in Delhi and surrounding areas will now be sterilized, vaccinated, and then released back into the same locations. The decision comes after widespread protests by animal lovers, rights activists, and several political leaders.
Earlier this month, the court had directed authorities to keep all stray dogs in shelters, citing rising incidents of dog bites and fears of rabies infections. However, the practicality of the order was questioned, given the lack of adequate shelter facilities.
The directive triggered strong reactions across the country. Animal rights groups staged demonstrations, while several public figures and politicians voiced their concerns. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the earlier order, calling it a “step backward both scientifically and morally.”
Responding to the opposition, the Supreme Court has now permitted the return of recently captured dogs to their original locations after sterilization and vaccination, provided they are not aggressive or infected. However, the court did not define what qualifies as an “aggressive dog,” prompting fresh questions from activists.
Welcoming the ruling, former Union Minister and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi described it as a “scientific and balanced decision,” while also stressing the need for a clear definition of aggression.
According to government data, India reported 4.3 lakh dog bite cases in January 2025 alone, compared to 3.7 million cases in 2024. Surveys suggest there are approximately 52.5 million stray dogs in the country, with nearly 8 million kept in shelters. Delhi alone is estimated to have around one million strays.
The bench of three judges also directed that special feeding zones be created in public places to prevent inconvenience to the general public. Importantly, the court stated that the issue would no longer remain limited to Delhi but would form the basis of a nationwide policy on stray dog management.
Animal rights organization PETA India welcomed the judgment and urged citizens to adopt stray dogs and support sterilization drives.
