Big win for dog lovers, SC allows release after sterilisation

The Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier order on stray dogs and said the canines will released back to the same area after sterilisation and immunisation. The top court, however, said no street feeding will be allowed. The top court said the August 11 direction shall be kept in abeyance for the time being. The Supreme Court directed municipal authorities to create feeding areas, adding that there will be no feeding on streets. Notice boards shall be placed near designated feeding areas mentioning that stray dogs shall only be fed in such areas. The three-judge bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria, also directed a host of other modifications to the August 8 order, which directed civic authorities in Delhi-NCR to round up all stray dogs within eight weeks and keep them in dedicated shelters.

#WATCH | Over SC order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, Supreme Court lawyer and petitioner Nanita Sharma says, "This is a balanced order. The court has involved all states in this case. All matters regarding dog issues pending in all courts in all states will be brought under one.… pic.twitter.com/4fm0VtsLdX

— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2025

Modifying the order, the court said Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules are to be followed for now. The rules provide a set of guidelines to control the stray population and say that the dogs must be sent back to the same locality after sterilisation. The court has warned against obstructing such services. The court also said that public feeding of stray dogs cannot be allowed under any condition and ordered civic bodies to create dedicated feeding areas in municipal wards. Those violating the order would face legal action, it has warned. "All similar matters shall be transferred to this court for a final national policy. After the last hearing, we have suggested some modifications," said Justice Nath, adding that dog lovers or NGOs seeking to be impleaded in the hearing of the larger issue must pay Rs 25,000-Rs 2 lakh with the registrar.