Stray Dogs: Supreme Court’s Big Decision – Shelter Dogs to Be Released, With Exceptions

National Desk: The Supreme Court has delivered an important ruling on the issue of stray dogs. The court clarified that dogs kept in shelter homes must be released, except those that are either sick or aggressive, who will continue to remain in the shelters.

The apex court issued key directives regarding stray dogs, stating that only sterilized and vaccinated dogs may be released, while unhealthy or violent dogs must be kept in shelter homes for public safety.

Feeding Stray Dogs Banned in Public Places

This ruling was passed by a three-judge bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath. The court instructed all states and union territories to ensure that every municipal body designates special zones where stray dogs can be fed. Feeding stray dogs in public places has been banned, and violations will invite strict legal action.

5 Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Order:

1. Directions to Municipal Bodies:
All municipal corporations have been ordered to establish specific feeding zones for stray dogs within their wards. Feeding them outside these designated areas will not be permitted, and violators will face legal consequences.

2. Nationwide Implementation:
This directive is not limited to Delhi-NCR but will apply across India. Notices have already been issued to chief secretaries of all states.

3. Amendment in Earlier Order:
The court revised its earlier order (dated August 8), lifting restrictions and allowing healthy, vaccinated, and dewormed dogs to be released back into the same areas. However, dogs suffering from rabies or showing aggressive behavior will remain in special shelters.

4. Permission for Adoption:
Animal lovers may adopt stray dogs if they wish, but they will bear full responsibility for ensuring that these dogs do not return to the streets.

5. Penalties and Obstruction:
The court made it clear that no individual or organization can obstruct government officials in carrying out their duties. NGOs and parties that intervened to challenge the August 8 order have been fined—₹25,000 for individuals and ₹2 lakh for NGOs. This amount will be used for the welfare of stray dogs. Advocate Vivek Sharma, representing the petitioner, clarified that the penalty is not imposed on ordinary citizens but only on those entities that attempted to obstruct the proceedings.