Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 22: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday, modified its earlier order on the management of stray dogs in Delhi and NCR, permitting their release back into the same area after sterilisation and immunisation. However, dogs infected with rabies or displaying aggressive behaviour will be kept separately in shelters.

The SC also directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to establish designated feeding zones for stray dogs, while prohibiting public feeding in open spaces. It further stated that animal lovers may approach the MCD to adopt stray dogs.

Expanding the scope of the case, the bench issued notices to the animal husbandry departments of all states and union territories, seeking responses on creating a national policy on stray dog management. The Registry has also been asked to collect details of similar petitions pending before various high courts, which will be transferred to the apex court.

Calling the verdict a ‘balanced order’, petitioner and lawyer Nanita Sharma welcomed the decision, noting that the court has ensured a uniform approach across the country.

The bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Madadev observed that despite two decades of attempts, authorities had failed to control the stray dog menace, which directly impacts public safety. The Court said its directions aim to balance the welfare of both humans and animals.