The Supreme Court of India has modified its earlier order of August 11, 2025, which had directed municipal authorities in Delhi to round up stray dogs and place them in shelters without release. In a significant interim direction, a three-judge Bench has now ordered that stray dogs picked up by authorities must be released back into the same area after undergoing sterilisation and immunisation. The only exceptions to this rule are dogs found to be infected with rabies or those exhibiting incurable aggressive behaviour.
The Court also clarified that feeding of stray dogs at public places is prohibited and appropriate action would be taken against person for doing so.
Detailed Directions of the Court:
The Supreme Court issued a detailed set of interim directions, modifying its previous order:
- Release of Dogs Permitted: The prohibition on releasing stray dogs, as directed on August 11, has been kept in abeyance. The Court ordered that dogs picked up by municipal authorities must be released back into the same area after sterilisation and immunisation. This directive, however, is not applicable to dogs suspected of being infected with rabies or those that display incurable aggressive behaviour, which shall be kept in designated shelters.
- Designated Feeding Areas: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been directed to create designated feeding areas for stray dogs in each municipal ward. In a strict mandate, the Court stated: “UNDER NO CONDITION FEEDING OF STRAY DOGS PERMITTED [outside these areas], IF VIOLATED THEY WILL BE PROCEEDED UNDER LAW.”
- Helpline for Violations: To enforce the feeding rules, the MCD has been ordered to create and publicise a helpline number for citizens to report any violations.
- Penalty for Obstruction: Modifying paragraph 13 of the earlier order, the Bench ruled that if any public servant is obstructed while performing their duties related to stray dog management, the obstructing party will be held liable. The Court specified a stringent penalty, stating, “EACH NGO/ANIMAL LOVERS SHOULD PROCEED TO PAY Rs 25,000.”
- Adoption of Dogs: The Court has permitted animal lovers and other interested parties to move an application before the MCD for the legal adoption of stray dogs.
- Pan-India Scope: The Bench officially broadened the scope of the case to a pan-India level. It issued notices to the Animal Husbandry departments and Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, directing them to provide information regarding the compliance status of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules.
- Transfer of Cases: The Supreme Court Registry has been directed to seek information from all High Courts regarding pending petitions on similar issues. The Bench ordered that henceforth, all such petitions shall be transferred to the Supreme Court for a consolidated hearing.
Case Background:
The issue concerning the management of stray dogs in the national capital gained significant legal attention following an order passed by the Supreme Court on August 11, 2025. A Bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala had directed municipal authorities in Delhi to commence a drive to round up stray dogs from all areas, with a priority on vulnerable localities. The order further mandated the establishment of shelters with an initial capacity of at least 5,000 dogs within a period of eight weeks, and critically, directed that the dogs picked up should not be released back into their territories.
This directive led to the filing of several pleas before the apex court, seeking a stay and modification of the August 11 order.
Court Proceedings and Analysis:
The pleas challenging the ‘no-release’ directive were heard by a three-judge Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria.
During the hearing, the Bench indicated its intention to formulate a comprehensive national policy to address the issue of stray dogs, noting the pendency of similar matters in various High Courts across the country. Justice Vikram Nath observed that the court was expanding the scope of the matter to ensure a uniform approach.
“This is interim directions.. we have impleaded all states and UTs ..we have made it pan India. Matters are pending in other HCs also,” Justice Nath stated.
The Bench further announced its decision to consolidate all related cases from different High Courts. “All similar matters shall be transferred to this court for a final national policy,” Justice Nath remarked, signalling a move towards a unified legal framework. Highlighting the court’s deliberations since the last hearing, he added, “After the last hearing, we have suggested some modifications.”
Decision of the Court:
After considering the matter, the Supreme Court passed an interim order modifying its previous directions. The Bench specifically stayed the August 11 directive which mandated that stray dogs, once picked up, must not be released.
The Court issued a fresh direction stating, “The dogs which are picked up must be released after sterilisation and immunisation, except those infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour.” The Bench clarified that the sterilised and vaccinated dogs are to be released back into the same locality from where they were captured. The matter is set to be heard further as the court proceeds to frame a pan-India policy.
