SC modifies stray dog order, allows release after vaccination but bans public feeding

The Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier August 8 order on stray dogs, ruling that the animals must be dewormed, vaccinated, and then released back into the same area. The decision brought relief to animal welfare groups, who had opposed the earlier directive to keep all strays confined in shelters.

A three-judge bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice NV Anjaria clarified that while healthy strays would be returned, dogs with rabies or aggressive behaviour must be immunised and kept in separate shelters. The court also expanded the case nationwide and said a comprehensive national policy on stray dogs would be framed after further hearings.

At the same time, the bench upheld restrictions on public feeding of strays. It directed that dedicated feeding zones should be created and warned that action would be taken against people found feeding dogs on the streets.

The court also allowed individuals and NGOs to apply for adoption of strays, but stressed that adopted dogs cannot be abandoned back on the streets. Additionally, petitioners were ordered to deposit ₹25,000 each, while NGOs must deposit ₹2 lakh, to continue pursuing the case.