On August 22, the Supreme Court amended its earlier ruling regarding the management of stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR area, asserting that an outright ban on the release of treated and vaccinated dogs was excessively severe. The three-judge panel, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, observed that a broad directive to capture all strays and confine them in shelters could be unfeasible due to insufficient infrastructure. In its ruling concerning the case titled “In Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price,” the court determined that sterilized, dewormed, and vaccinated dogs should be returned to their original locations. Nevertheless, it clarified that dogs suffering from rabies or displaying aggressive tendencies should not be released. The bench, presided over by Justice Vikram Nath, further instructed municipal authorities to set up designated feeding areas in each ward, complete with appropriate signage. The court forbade the feeding of stray dogs on public streets, indicating that individuals who contravene this regulation may face legal repercussions. Municipal officials were also tasked with establishing a dedicated helpline for reporting such infractions.The court emphasized that no person or organization could hinder the enforcement of its directives and cautioned that anyone obstructing public officials in executing these responsibilities would be subject to prosecution.
Additionally, the court permitted individuals to petition municipal bodies for the adoption of street dogs. The bench mandated that individual dog enthusiasts who approached the court must deposit Rs 25,000, while NGOs are required to deposit Rs 2 lakh with the court registry within a week. These funds are intended for the development of infrastructure for stray dogs under the oversight of the relevant municipal authorities. The court broadened the scope of the issue to a national level, instructing all states and Union Territories to submit reports on their adherence to the Animal Birth Control Rules, which should include data on dog pounds, veterinarians, and resources for dog-catching. The new order modifies an earlier directive from a two-judge bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, which had ordered municipal bodies to immediately capture all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and relocate them to shelters. The previous order had led to widespread public criticism.
