The Supreme Court of India has withdrawn its earlier directive to move Delhi’s nearly one million stray dogs into shelters, following widespread public outcry. The top court has now opted for a more humane, science-driven approach that seeks to balance animal rights with public safety.
The revised ruling allows only those dogs that are sterilized, vaccinated, and dewormed—and show no signs of aggression or rabies—to be released back into their original localities. Aggressive or rabid dogs, however, will be kept confined for the safety of citizens.
In another significant move, the court has ordered the creation of designated feeding zones for stray dogs, banning feeding in public spaces to reduce risks while ensuring organized, compassionate care for animals.
Going beyond Delhi, the court has also expanded the scope of the case nationwide. It will now work towards framing a uniform, science-backed stray dog management policy across India, guided by the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules.
Animal rights advocates, including Maneka Gandhi, hailed the decision as a “scientific step forward,” while PETA India praised it as a compassionate shift that balances human safety with animal welfare.
The reversal came after the initial order—mandating mass relocation—triggered strong opposition from citizens, activists, celebrities, and politicians. Critics argued that already overcrowded shelters could not handle such numbers and that humane solutions were essential. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called the earlier order a retreat from science-based policymaking.
With Delhi alone reporting nearly 2,000 dog bite cases daily, the issue has long fueled tensions between public health concerns and animal rights. The Supreme Court’s latest verdict marks a turning point, signaling India’s move toward a compassionate, practical, and scientifically sound stray dog policy.
