The Supreme Court on Friday stayed its earlier directive to permanently relocate stray dogs to shelters in Delhi-NCR, allowing their return after sterilisation and vaccination. However, dogs infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour will not be released back on the streets.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria issued the interim order amid growing debate on stray dog management across India. The Court also introduced several corrective measures to ensure better implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been directed to designate feeding zones in every municipal ward. Feeding stray dogs outside these areas will invite legal action. The Court also asked MCD to set up a helpline for reporting violations and clarified that obstructing public servants on duty will attract liability.
Animal lovers and NGOs violating these directions will face a fine of ₹25,000. Those wishing to adopt stray dogs must apply to the MCD.
The Court extended the scope of its order nationwide, issuing notices to Animal Husbandry Departments and Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to ensure compliance with ABC Rules. It also directed the Registry to gather details of similar cases pending in High Courts, which will now be transferred to the Supreme Court.
The case originated from an August 11 directive by a different bench that took suo motu cognisance of a news report titled “City hounded by strays and kids pay price,” ordering relocation of stray dogs to shelters with a capacity of 5,000 animals.
