The Indian Supreme Court has modified its approach regarding the handling of stray dogs, emphasizing a balance between public safety and animal welfare. On Friday, the court directed that stray canines in the National Capital Region (NCR) should be sterilized, vaccinated, dewormed, and released back into their original localities, aligning with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. This is a departure from an earlier directive that had mandated the confinement of all stray dogs in shelters, which was deemed “too harsh” by the three-judge bench led by Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria. The bench stressed that detaining all strays was impractical given the country’s infrastructural constraints, but emphasized that dogs showing aggressive behavior or those infected with rabies should remain sheltered.
Alongside these measures, the court introduced regulations for feeding, requiring municipal authorities to establish designated feeding zones in each ward, with clear notifications to the public. Feeding stray dogs on roads or in public spaces is now prohibited, with violators facing potential legal action. Additionally, municipalities have been tasked with setting up helplines to facilitate the reporting of violations, and authorities are required to take action against anyone obstructing compliance, including both individuals and NGOs.
The court’s decision extends beyond the NCR, as it has involved all states and union territories in the process, transferring similar pending High Court cases to itself to work towards a cohesive national policy. Authorities have been instructed to submit affidavits outlining the available resources such as shelters, veterinary staff, and transport facilities. In an effort to bolster infrastructure for stray dog management, petitioning NGOs and dog lovers have been directed to deposit funds with the registry, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable oversight.
The controversial August 11 order from a two-judge bench, which necessitated the round-up of all stray dogs in the NCR and their confinement in shelters, sparked widespread protest from animal rights groups. Critics, including PETA India, argued that such measures were inhumane, disrupted ecological balance, and were not grounded in scientific reasoning. The Supreme Court’s current ruling highlights the merit of sterilization and immunization within local areas as it mitigates overcrowding and promotes a compassionate approach to stray dog management, as noted in reports.
This decision underscores the court’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights while ensuring animal welfare is not overlooked. As the case progresses towards a national policy, the interim order reflects a nuanced understanding that executive actions must be proportionate and humane, as the legal framework and societal ethics demand.