The Supreme Court of India has recently reconsidered its earlier order concerning the management of stray dogs in the capital and its surrounding areas. Initially mandated on August 11, the order called for authorities to remove all stray dogs from the streets and house them in shelters in response to concerns about rising dog bites and rabies transmission. However, this ruling met significant opposition from various animal welfare groups, leading to protests against the plan.
On Friday, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court modified this directive, stating that after being sterilised and vaccinated, non-aggressive stray dogs could be released back to their original capture sites. The new ruling also stipulates that dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior or rabies must be immunised and retained in shelters. In a move to further alter public behavior, the court has prohibited the feeding of stray dogs in public areas and has instructed municipalities to designate specific areas for this purpose.
With an estimated one million stray dogs roaming Delhi and increasing populations in nearby suburbs, the issue of stray dog management is pressing. India currently accounts for 36% of global rabies-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Supreme Court's earlier directive to gather all strays faced strong backlash due to concerns it would lead to overcrowding and culling, prompting the establishment of the three-judge bench to reevaluate the situation.
Moreover, in light of the protests, the Supreme Court expressed its intent to create a national dog policy in collaboration with ongoing cases from different states to systematically address the relationship with stray canines. The court's latest decision reflects a balance between public health concerns and humane treatment of animals, while maintaining strict enforcement of its rulings. The court also warned animal welfare groups against interfering with its orders as they seek to navigate this complex issue.
On Friday, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court modified this directive, stating that after being sterilised and vaccinated, non-aggressive stray dogs could be released back to their original capture sites. The new ruling also stipulates that dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior or rabies must be immunised and retained in shelters. In a move to further alter public behavior, the court has prohibited the feeding of stray dogs in public areas and has instructed municipalities to designate specific areas for this purpose.
With an estimated one million stray dogs roaming Delhi and increasing populations in nearby suburbs, the issue of stray dog management is pressing. India currently accounts for 36% of global rabies-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Supreme Court's earlier directive to gather all strays faced strong backlash due to concerns it would lead to overcrowding and culling, prompting the establishment of the three-judge bench to reevaluate the situation.
Moreover, in light of the protests, the Supreme Court expressed its intent to create a national dog policy in collaboration with ongoing cases from different states to systematically address the relationship with stray canines. The court's latest decision reflects a balance between public health concerns and humane treatment of animals, while maintaining strict enforcement of its rulings. The court also warned animal welfare groups against interfering with its orders as they seek to navigate this complex issue.
