NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court of India updated a previous order that had called for all stray dogs in New Delhi, estimated between half a million and a million, to be kept in government shelters for good.
The new decision, from a three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, now allows most stray dogs to return to their home streets after being sterilized, dewormed, and vaccinated. Only dogs showing aggressive behaviour or those carrying rabies will stay in shelters.
This shift comes after animal welfare groups, vets, and activists protested the original 11 August order, calling it both harsh and unworkable. The revised ruling sets up feeding zones for strays and helps set the stage for a nationwide approach, aiming to protect both people and animals.
The earlier ruling from 11 August, delivered by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, had told Delhi-NCR authorities to remove all stray dogs within eight weeks and keep them in shelters, citing a serious health threat.
Hospitals in the city report about 2,000 dog bite cases a day, and across India, there were 3.7 million dog bites in 2024, with 54 suspected rabies deaths.
The court, referring to Article 21 (the right to life), put human safety first. Under that order, dogs couldn’t return to the streets even after sterilization. Authorities had to set up shelters to accommodate thousands of animals and were told not to allow activists to interfere, or risk contempt charges.
Stray Dog Protest in India
This decision met strong opposition almost at once. Groups like Save A Stray said the plan violated the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, which require that sterilized and vaccinated dogs go back to where they were found. Conservationists such as biologist Bahar Dutt called the order “unscientific” and pointed to the lack of shelter space for so many dogs.
Protests broke out in Delhi, with demonstrators at Jantar Mantar holding signs demanding protection for community dogs and promoting sterilization instead of removal. Actor John Abraham and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi added their support, with Gandhi sharing on social media that the court was moving away from humane, science-based policy.
Meanwhile, city officials warned that current shelters were crowded, underfunded, and poorly run, a problem highlighted in an India Today report on municipal sterilization centres.
Reacting to the public pushback, Chief Justice BR Gavai ordered the matter to be re-examined by a larger bench. The fresh order aims for a practical solution, drawing on ABC rules while still addressing safety concerns. The court said only dogs with rabies or violent behaviour should stay in shelters, and all others must be returned to their neighbourhoods once healthy.
To cut risks, the bench banned feeding strays on the street and told local councils to set up clear, signed feeding zones in each ward. Anyone caught ignoring these rules could face penalties. The system will include a round-the-clock helpline for complaints about stray dogs.
Animal Birth Control Rules
The court also set a process for anyone wanting to adopt a stray, through municipal bodies, so that adopted, tagged dogs will not be sent back to the streets. The scope of the order is now nationwide.
All states, Union Territories, and animal husbandry departments must develop a policy to manage stray dogs. Local bodies must submit reports showing they follow ABC rules, including details about staff, equipment, and shelter capacity. NGOs and individuals who block officials can be fined, with the money going towards better facilities for strays.
The animal welfare community has mostly backed the modified ruling. Sonali Gaba, who operates a dog shelter, described it as “balanced” and highlighted the need for proper behaviour checks. Advocate Nanita Sharma welcomed the move, appreciating the focus on feeding zones for strays.
BJP MP and longtime animal rights supporter Maneka Gandhi called the update “scientific”, arguing that fear and forced removal often make dog bites worse. She also mentioned the government’s Rs 2,500 crore fund for sterilization and said clearer guidelines were needed to define “aggressive dogs”. Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh promised to support the new approach, sharing his fondness for street dogs and praising the decision.
Still, problems persist. Delhi has just 20 functional sterilization centres, far too few for its large stray population, and shelters are often dirty and overcrowded. The court stressed the importance of better facilities, public reporting of rabid dogs, and responsible feeding.
The long-term impact of this “constitutional balancing act” depends on whether local government improves efficiency, a problem in the past. Some say that without changes to the system, the new order might not deliver real-world results.
The Supreme Court’s decision highlights the ongoing struggle in city management between policies based on research and public demands for quick action. Research supports sterilization and vaccination to control stray dogs and rabies cases, but many residents want faster results to curb dog bites.
By sticking with the ABC rules, creating feeding zones, and making adoption easier, the court is trying to bring safety and compassion together. As Delhi and other regions get ready to follow the new rules, all eyes are on local authorities to see if they can meet the court’s goals and protect both people and animals. The next few months will show whether practical solutions can support both public safety and the humane treatment of stray dogs.
