In a vital correction to its earlier directive, the Supreme Court of India, on August 22, 2025, ruled that stray dogs must be vaccinated, sterilised, and released back into their original localities, except in cases where they are aggressive or rabies-infected. This modified order replaces the blanket mandate for relocating all strays to shelters in Delhi-NCR.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria underscored the need to align with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, emphasising a scientific and compassionate approach. The Court also banned public feeding of strays in open areas, directing municipalities to establish designated feeding zones and streamline adoption processes through local authorities.
The verdict balances public health with animal welfare, steering away from extreme solutions while reinforcing India’s commitment to ethical, structured urban animal management. It’s a move that acknowledges both the rights of animals and the safety of citizens—a proper stride in humane jurisprudence.