- India’s Supreme Court has modified its earlier directive to round up all stray dogs in Delhi and surrounding areas, following backlash from animal welfare groups.
- The revised ruling allows non-aggressive, vaccinated, and sterilised dogs to be released back to their original locations.
- Dogs with rabies or aggressive behavior must be kept in shelters.
- Feeding strays in public spaces is now banned, with designated feeding zones to be established.
- The court also announced plans to develop a national policy on stray dog management.
India’s Supreme Court has walked back its earlier order to remove all stray dogs from the streets of Delhi and its suburbs, following widespread protests from animal welfare groups and legal experts.
The initial directive, issued on August 11, called for authorities to round up the city’s estimated one million stray dogs and place them in shelters within eight weeks. The move was prompted by growing concerns over dog bites and rabies, especially in densely populated areas like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram.
But the order clashed with existing animal welfare guidelines, which recommend sterilising and vaccinating strays before releasing them back to their original locations. Critics warned that mass sheltering could lead to overcrowding, neglect, and even culling.
In response to the backlash, the court convened a three-judge bench to review the decision. The new ruling allows non-aggressive, healthy dogs to be returned to their capture sites after sterilisation and vaccination. Dogs showing signs of rabies or aggressive behavior will be kept in shelters for public safety.
The court also introduced new restrictions: feeding stray dogs in public spaces is now banned, and municipalities must create designated areas for those who wish to feed or adopt strays. Animal lovers can apply to adopt dogs through local authorities, but adopted strays cannot be returned to the streets.
The Supreme Court has also committed to drafting a national policy on stray dog management, taking into account similar cases pending in other states. Animal welfare groups have welcomed the revised decision, calling it a more balanced and compassionate approach — though some have called for clearer guidelines on what qualifies as “aggressive” behavior to prevent misuse of the sheltering rule.
