Dogs to be released in same area after sterlisation: SC modifies order

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has been directed to create designated feeding areas for stray dogs in each municipal ward

The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday modified its August 11 order saying that stray dogs will be released back to the same area after sterilisation and immunisation. However, dogs infected with rabies or showing aggressive behaviour will be detained, according to an X post by Live Law.

Designated feeding areas to be created

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been directed to create designated feeding areas for stray dogs in each municipal ward. The top court has also ruled that under no circumstances will feeding be allowed outside these designated zones, and any violation will invite legal action.

 

The MCD is also supposed to create a dedicated helpline number, where all complaints regarding violations can be reported.

 

Anyone violating SC ruling will be fined ₹25,000

The apex court also said that if any public servant is obstructed in carrying out these duties, the individuals responsible will be held liable. Additionally, each NGO or animal lover violating SC's ruling will be required to pay a penalty of ₹25,000. 

 

The SC said that animal lovers or those interested in the welfare of stray dogs can formally submit an application before the MCD for the adoption of dogs.

Scope broadened to pan-India level

The top court has also broadened the scope of the matter to a pan-India level. Notices are to be issued to the Animal Husbandry Departments of all states and union territories to obtain information regarding compliance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. Moreover, the Registry has been directed to seek information from all High Courts where petitions on similar issues are pending. 

SC asks dog lovers to deposit ₹25,000-₹2 lakh

A three-judge special bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath ruled that all dog lovers and NGOs who moved against the order of permanent relocation of strays must deposit ₹25,000 and ₹2 lakh, respectively, within seven days. The court added that those who fail to deposit the amount will not be allowed to appear in the matter further. It also said the funds would be utilised to create infrastructure and facilities for stray dogs.

What is an aggressive dog: Maneka Gandhi

Welcoming the SC order, animal rights activist and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Maneka Gandhi said that she supported creating designated feeding areas and also highlighted that this is the first time in 25 years that the government has allocated ₹2,500 crore for this program. According to ANI, Gandhi said she was very happy with the scientific judgment, particularly with the directive requiring municipal corporations to establish proper ABC centres.

 

However, she said that the court has not defined what is an aggressive dog. Urging the court to provide clear directives, she said that this needs to be defined.  Hailing the move, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the approach is both compassionate and rooted in scientific reasoning. In a post on X, Gandhi said, "I welcome the revised directions on stray dogs, as it marks a progressive step toward balancing animal welfare and public safety."  Highlighting that everybody wants aggressive dogs to be treated, Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh said that MCD will work with full strength to implement the SC's direction.

Earlier ruling drew sharp criticism

The SC's initial directive on the treatment of stray dogs, in which authorities were asked to remove all canines from the streets of Delhi-NCR within eight weeks, drew protests, political backlash, and criticism from animal rights groups. In its directive, the top court had laid down strict guidelines to ensure humane treatment, proper sheltering, and accountability in the handling of stray dogs.