Release stray dogs after sterilisation: Top Court modifies earlier order

The Supreme Court on Friday modified its previous, August 11 order, and said that stray dogs that are picked up must be released after sterilisation and immunisation. The top court clarified that the order applies to all stray dogs, except for those infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour.

The court said public feeding of stray dogs is prohibited, and legal action would be taken against anyone doing so. It also ordered the arrangement of separate feeding areas for stray dogs. “After the last hearing, we have suggested some modifications," Justice Vikram Nath, hearing pleas seeking a stay on the order passed by the Justice Pardiwala-led bench, said.

“Municipal authorities shall comply with para 12, 12.1 and 12.2, prohibition on release of strays shall be stayed. They shall be dewormed, vaccinated, etc and sent back to the same area," Justice Nath said. “Those dogs with aggressive behaviour or with rabies shall be immunised and not be released," he added.

“No public feeding of dogs will be allowed. Dedicated feeding spaces for stray dogs are to be created. “Directions in para 13 are reiterated with a modification, where any public or organisation shall not obstruct such services. Dog lovers and NGOs shall deposit Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh with the registrar," Justice Nath said.

On August 11, the Supreme Court ordered the permanent relocation of stray dogs from streets to dog shelters in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria had on August 14 reserved its order in the matter.

Widespread protests were reported across the country following the Supreme Court’s August 11 order.