SC Order on Stray Dogs in Delhi-NCR: Supreme Court Bans Public Feeding, Allows Release After Sterilisation

The Supreme Court of India has issued a significant ruling on the stray dog issue in Delhi-NCR, balancing public safety with animal welfare. In its verdict delivered on August 22, 2025, the apex court banned public feeding of stray dogs, ordered their sterilisation and vaccination, and allowed their release back into the same localities. However, dogs suffering from rabies or showing aggressive behaviour will be isolated in shelters or pounds.

The judgment comes amid rising tensions in Delhi-NCR, where public protests had erupted following the Court’s earlier August 11 directive on relocating stray dogs.

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Order

1. Ban on Public Feeding
   • Feeding stray dogs in public spaces has been prohibited.
   • Designated feeding zones will be set up by local authorities to ensure animal welfare without public nuisance.
2. Sterilisation and Vaccination
   • Municipal authorities must sterilise, deworm, and vaccinate stray dogs before releasing them.
   • Dogs will be returned to the same area after treatment, in line with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
3. Aggressive & Rabid Dogs
   • Dogs showing aggressive behaviour or infected with rabies will not be released.
   • They will be kept in shelters or pounds for treatment and observation.
4. Transfer of Similar Cases
   • All similar matters pending in different High Courts across India will now be transferred to the Supreme Court for a unified national policy on stray dogs.

Political & Public Reactions

• Congress leader Abhishek Dutt alleged large-scale corruption in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s sterilisation program, accusing it of wasting crores in the name of sterilisation without effective results. He called for strict action against those responsible.
• BJP leader Vijay Goel welcomed the verdict, highlighting that the judgment empowers the MCD to continue sterilisation and establish shelters, while ensuring feeding happens only in designated areas.
• Petitioners’ Response: Advocate Nanita Sharma, one of the petitioners, called it a “balanced order” that ensures dogs are sterilised and cared for humanely. She appealed to authorities to handle the process with compassion.
• Animal Welfare Organisations: Nikunj Sharma, CEO of Mercy For Animals India Foundation, appreciated the ruling, noting that it brings clarity to how stray dog management should be handled.
• Shelter Homes: Sonali Gaba, who runs a dog shelter, expressed relief that not all dogs would be labelled “aggressive” without proof. She welcomed the Court’s directive on creating designated feeding areas.

Why This Order Matters

The stray dog issue in Delhi-NCR has long been a contentious one, with frequent reports of:

• Dog bite cases, especially among children.
• Conflicts between animal lovers and residents demanding stricter control.
• Allegations of inefficiency and misuse of funds in sterilisation programs.

The Supreme Court’s ruling attempts to strike a balance by:

• Protecting citizens from attacks and rabies.
• Ensuring animal rights are not violated.
• Creating a structured, humane framework for dealing with strays nationwide.

India TV Initiative: #बेजुबानों_की_आवाज़

As part of its civic campaign, India TV launched #बेजुबानों_की_आवाज़, inviting citizens to share practical and humane solutions to the stray dog problem. Suggestions included building more shelters, strengthening sterilisation drives, and setting up designated feeding points.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s August 22 verdict on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR marks an important step toward resolving a long-standing civic and humanitarian issue. By banning public feeding, mandating sterilisation and vaccination, and isolating aggressive/rabid dogs, the order seeks to protect both human lives and animal welfare.