India’s Supreme Court has directed the release of sterilised and immunised stray dogs in Delhi and nearby areas. The ruling came after an earlier order required all strays to be moved to shelters, sparking protests from animal rights groups.
The court clarified that only aggressive or rabid dogs would be excluded from release. This decision came after concerns were raised about infrastructure shortages and lack of medical facilities to manage such large-scale relocation. Animal lovers argued that keeping healthy dogs in shelters would be unfair and harmful.
A three-judge bench stated that the case would now be expanded across India. The court aims to develop a nationwide policy for stray dog management. The order also included directions to create designated feeding zones, to regulate and control public feeding of strays.
India faces a growing challenge with its stray dog population. According to a government report, nearly 430,000 dog bite cases were reported nationwide in January alone, compared to 3.7 million in all of 2024. A survey by Mars Petcare revealed that India has around 52.5 million stray dogs, with nearly 8 million housed in shelters.
Reports suggest Delhi alone has about 1 million stray dogs, though the figure has not been independently verified. The rise in rabies cases, especially among children, has heightened public concern and prompted legal intervention.
The Supreme Court stressed the importance of sterilisation and vaccination as long-term solutions. By ensuring proper care and control, authorities hope to balance public safety with animal welfare.
This latest move marks a significant step toward forming a unified strategy for managing stray dogs across India.
Read Also: Supreme Court stresses AI use to cut judicial delays
