Vaccination Before Release, Feeding Only in Zones: SC on Stray Dogs

August 22, 2025 at 4:10 pm Courtroom Today 2 min read

The Supreme Court on Friday eased its earlier directions on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. A three-judge Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria allowed the release of stray dogs from shelters, but only after deworming, vaccination and sterilisation. These dogs must be returned to the same area from where they were picked up.

However, the Court made it clear that dogs infected with rabies or showing aggressive behaviour cannot be released into public spaces.

The Bench also banned feeding of stray dogs on public streets. Instead, municipal bodies have been asked to set up dedicated feeding zones in every ward with proper signboards. Anyone feeding dogs outside these spaces will face legal action.

The Court reiterated that animal rights activists should not obstruct municipal work. At the same time, it directed individuals and NGOs who have approached the Court to deposit ₹25,000 and ₹2 lakh respectively, for their petitions to be heard further.

Significantly, the case will no longer be limited to Delhi-NCR. The Court has involved all States and Union Territories, with the aim of framing a uniform national policy on stray dogs. All similar cases pending before different High Courts have been transferred to the Supreme Court for a final decision.

This development follows public outcry and protests against the earlier August 11 order which had mandated rounding up of strays and prohibited their release back to the streets. The Court had then cited over 25,000 dog bite cases in Delhi during 2024 as a serious public health and safety concern.