Key Points
- Stray dogs to be released back to their original areas only after sterilization and vaccination; earlier blanket ban on release suspended.
- Aggressive/violent dogs and rabies-infected animals will not be released; they must remain under control and treatment.
- Feeding of stray dogs in public places prohibited; feeding to be regulated at designated spots.
- Order extended from Delhi-NCR to all of India; notices to all states and pending High Court cases transferred to the Supreme Court.
- Obstructing capture/management will invite strict action; adoption of strays allowed with full responsibility on adopters.
New Delhi: A three-judge bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath clarified and modified its earlier directions on managing stray dogs. The Court has shifted from a blanket sheltering approach to a calibrated, nationwide protocol:
- Stray dogs can be released back to their original localities after mandatory sterilization and vaccination.
- Dogs deemed aggressive/violent or clinically suspect for rabies should not be released; they must be restrained, treated, and managed appropriately.
- Public feeding of stray dogs is barred; authorities should regulate feeding at identified, safe locations to avoid conflict and ensure hygiene.
This order, which initially addressed Delhi-NCR, now applies across India. The Court is issuing notices to all state governments and pulling together related cases pending in various High Courts to ensure uniformity.
Key Compliance Clauses for Local Bodies
The bench directed municipal authorities to strictly follow the operative rules (referred to as para 12, 12.1, 12.2):
- Conduct sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) drives in a time-bound, area-wise manner.
- Mark, record, and release dogs to the same locality post-procedure, maintaining proper health and identification records.
- Isolate and manage aggressive/rabid dogs no release until cleared by veterinarians and safety protocols.
- Coordinate with animal welfare organizations for humane capture, transport, and post-operative care.
- Designate non-public feeding points away from schools, hospitals, and high-footfall areas; ensure cleanliness at feeding sites.
Enforcement: No Obstruction, Or Else
The Court reiterated that any obstruction of lawful capture, sterilization, vaccination, or movement of stray dogs will attract strict action. Police and civic bodies must provide protection to field teams. Video documentation, GPS-tagged schedules, and maintained registers are encouraged for transparency and accountability.
Adoption Allowed with Full Responsibility
Animal lovers may apply to adopt stray dogs. Once adopted:
- Adopters must ensure the animal is sterilized, vaccinated, and safely housed.
- Abandonment back onto the streets is strictly prohibited and will entail legal consequences.
- Municipalities may prescribe basic checks (residence, capacity, veterinary plan) to safeguard animal welfare.
Why This Matters
- Public safety: Targeted management of aggressive and rabies-risk animals reduces bite incidents and disease spread.
- Humane control: Sterilization–vaccination with area release remains the most effective, ethical method to stabilize stray dog populations.
- Uniform policy: Extending the framework nationwide removes confusion across states and cities, speeding up implementation.
What Changes on the Ground
- Cities can resume release after sterilization/vaccination, ending shelter overcrowding while sustaining humane control.
- Public feeding shifts to designated areas; random feeding at roadsides, markets, or parks will be discouraged and penalized.
- Clearer triage: calm, healthy dogs return after procedures; aggressive/rabid dogs remain under care and control.
Practical Next Steps for Authorities
- Map hotspots; plan mass sterilization/ARV camps with adequate vet capacity.
- Set up designated feeding points; publish guidelines and signage; involve resident welfare associations.
- Create a complaint and reporting channel for bites/suspected rabies cases with 24×7 response.
- Train catchers and staff; ensure humane handling, proper equipment, and post-op monitoring.
- Maintain a public dashboard on sterilization numbers, ARV coverage, aggressive dogs under care, and adoption figures.
For Residents and Animal Caregivers
- Do not feed dogs in public places; use designated feeding points at permitted times.
- Report aggressive behavior or suspected rabies immediately to civic helplines.
- Support sterilization and vaccination drives; avoid obstructing field teams.
- If adopting, commit to long-term care health, safety, and responsible ownership.
