Saturday, March 29, 2025
New Delhi, August 22, 2025 – The Supreme Court has given a major relief to stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region while also setting the stage for a uniform national policy on their management.
A three-judge bench, led by Justice Vikram Nath along with Justices Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria, modified its earlier August 11 order that had directed all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to be shifted permanently to dog shelters.
Stray dogs will not be permanently kept in shelters.
Instead, after vaccination and sterilization, they must be released back in the same locality from where they were picked up.
Municipal authorities must strictly follow guidelines under paragraphs 12.12.1 and 12.2 of the existing rules.
Dogs showing aggressive behavior or suspected of rabies infection must be vaccinated and treated before release.
A comprehensive national policy will be framed, covering all states and union territories. Pending stray dog-related cases in various High Courts will be transferred to the Supreme Court for uniformity.
On August 11, the Supreme Court had ordered that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be moved to permanent dog shelters, warning that strict action would be taken against anyone obstructing dog-catching operations.
Following petitions, the Court reconsidered the issue and reserved its decision on August 14, finally issuing a revised interim order today.
The new ruling ensures a balance between public safety and animal rights, while aiming to standardize stray dog management across India.
⚖️ In summary: The Supreme Court has rolled back its earlier directive of permanently sheltering stray dogs, instead mandating vaccination, sterilization, and release. It has also called for a national policy to address stray dog issues across India.
