SC Eases Stray Dog Curbs, Allows Release After Sterilisation

The Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier ruling of 11 August on the management of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, allowing their release back into the same locality after sterilisation and vaccination, while directing that animals infected with rabies or showing aggressive behaviour be kept separately in shelters or pounds.

- TDG NETWORK

A three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria clarified that stray dogs must be sterilised, dewormed, immunised and then returned to their original areas. However, rabid or ferocious animals, though sterilised and vaccinated, will not be released.

The court also prohibited the public feeding of stray dogs on streets, instructing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to establish dedicated feeding zones in each ward. The designated areas must be clearly identified, signposted and proportionate to the local dog population. It further ordered the creation of a municipal helpline to report violations.