New Delhi [India], August 22 : After facing backlash from all over the country, the Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier order regarding the management of stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), directing that the animals be released back into the same area after sterilisation and immunisation.
The apex court clarified that stray dogs infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour will not be released and will instead be kept in confinement.
"Stray dogs will be released back to the same area after sterilisation and immunisation, except those infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour," the court said in its revised directive.
The Court further ordered that public feeding of dogs would not be permitted, directing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to establish designated feeding areas in each municipal ward. The bench also noted that animal lovers may apply to the MCD for the adoption of stray dogs.
Welcoming the order, animal rights activists and shelter operators termed the decision a "big relief" for stray dogs and those working for their welfare.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi hailed the ruling and stated, "I am very happy with this scientific judgement. Relocation and fear are the primary reasons dogs bite. There is no question of releasing dogs infected with rabies. The court has not defined what an aggressive dog is--this needs to be clarified. It's right to create designated feeding areas. For the first time in 25 years, the government has stated in Parliament that ₹2,500 crore is being allocated for this program."
The BJP leader also stressed the need for properly functioning Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres across the country, as mandated by the court.
Sonali Gaba, the owner of a dog shelter, echoed this sentiment and said the court had acknowledged the importance of behavioural assessments. "We are happy that the SC has ruled on creating designated feeding areas. If dogs are aggressive, they will be confined and monitored. If they are not rabid, they should be released after vaccination," Gaba told ANI.
Political leaders across parties also reacted positively to the court's direction.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the ruling "a step toward balancing animal welfare and public safety."
"I welcome the Supreme Court's revised directions on stray dogs, as it marks a progressive step toward balancing animal welfare and public safety. The approach is both compassionate and rooted in scientific reasoning," he posted on social media platform X.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that the order would be implemented in full across the state. "We will work according to the SC order and ensure it is implemented in the state," he told ANI.
However, tensions flared in Delhi after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public grievance hearing, 'Jan Sunvai', at her Civil Lines residence by a dog-lover reportedly upset over the removal of stray dogs from the streets.
The accused, identified as Rajesh Khimji, is a rickshaw driver. His mother, speaking to ANI, said he had become distressed after watching social media videos of stray dogs being taken away. "He did not eat after seeing those videos. He left home saying he was going to Ujjain, but ended up in Delhi. He is a devotee of Mahadev," she said.
In another incident from Udaipur on August 14, a five-year-old child was attacked by three stray dogs. The incident sparked concerns among local residents about growing dog attacks.
"I heard his scream and ran towards him. I saw three dogs on top of him. He has multiple injuries. Animal Aid came the next day but didn't take the dogs immediately," the child's mother, Preeti Sahu, told ANI.
The boy's father, Dinesh Sahu, said the incident left children in the locality afraid to go outside. "The Supreme Court should consider such incidents. I hope dog lovers who protest these rulings see these videos to understand the extent of the problem," he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also welcomed the judgment, calling it a correction of a "wrong" earlier decision.
"I welcome the Supreme Court's order. The previous order was inhumane and against the humanitarian cause. It is important that stray dogs are neutered, immunised, and given designated feeding areas," she said.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the MCD for its failure to vaccinate stray dogs in a timely manner. "The responsibility lies with the MCD. They failed to immunise the dogs, and that is the real issue," he told ANI.
Supreme Court lawyer and petitioner in the case, Nanita Sharma, described the verdict as a "balanced order." She added that all pending dog-related cases in courts across various states would now be clubbed and handled centrally.
The Supreme Court's revised directive has been widely viewed as a step towards a more humane and pragmatic approach to managing the stray dog population. By balancing public safety with animal welfare, the order seeks to address long-standing concerns while emphasising sterilisation, vaccination, and accountability from civic authorities.