Case of Strays in Delhi Moved to Threesome Appeals Court, Hearing Scheduled for Day After Tomorrow
The Supreme Court of India has modified its earlier order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, shifting focus from immediate capture and relocation of dogs to shelters to a more nuanced approach that prioritizes sterilisation, vaccination, and release of treated dogs back to their original locations.
In a move to balance public safety with animal welfare, the Court has allowed the release of treated dogs to their original areas, complying with Rule 11(9) of the ABC Rules. However, dogs infected with rabies or those showing aggressive behavior will be excluded from release, prioritising public safety. The Court has also prohibited feeding of stray dogs in public places to reduce human-animal conflict and hygiene concerns.
To address these concerns, the Court has ordered the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to establish dedicated, clearly marked feeding zones, with informational signage and helplines for reporting violations. This move aims to regulate feeding in controlled settings and prevent indiscriminate feeding.
The revised approach has been met with support from animal welfare groups and political leaders alike, as it preserves the humane principles of the ABC programme while addressing legitimate public safety and urban management concerns.
However, the Court's order has received criticism from animal lovers and activists. Despite this, the current issue does not seem to be related to the heated debate pitting public safety concerns against animal welfare that was sparked by the Supreme Court's order to relocate stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets to shelters. Instead, it appears to be focused on the sterilisation and vaccination of community dogs in Delhi.
The Supreme Court's three-judge bench, including Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, is scheduled to hear the matter tomorrow. The Chief Justice of India, B.R. Gavai, has stated that the Court will "look into" the issue of sterilisation and vaccination of community dogs in Delhi.
[1] Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 [3] Supreme Court Order, dated 1st October 2025 [4] Supreme Court Order, dated 11th August 2025 (modified)
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