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The verdict, which modifies the court’s earlier directive, was described by many as a balanced step towards ensuring both animal welfare and public safety
Animal lovers hold placards during a protest march from Rajendra Nagar to Hanuman Mandir in solidarity with stray dogs, in New Delhi. (PTI photo)
The Supreme Court’s decision on Friday to allow sterilised and vaccinated stray dogs to return to their original localities has been welcomed by a wide section of society, including political leaders across party lines.
The verdict, which modifies the court’s earlier directive to relocate all stray dogs to shelters, was described by many as a balanced step towards ensuring both animal welfare and public safety.
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The three-judge bench ruled that healthy stray dogs should not be removed from their surroundings, in line with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. Only aggressive or rabid dogs, the court said, should be moved to shelters. Civic bodies have also been directed to create designated feeding zones for street dogs in every ward.
The court’s revised order came as a relief to animal welfare groups and caregivers, who had raised concerns about the practicality of relocating large numbers of dogs amid limited shelter infrastructure. Celebrations broke out at Jantar Mantar, where many had gathered in anticipation of the verdict, hailing it as a “victory of compassion”.
Political Leaders React
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, posting on X, called the verdict a “progressive step”, saying, “I welcome the Supreme Court’s revised directions on stray dogs, as it marks a progressive step toward balancing animal welfare and public safety. The approach is both compassionate and rooted in scientific reasoning.”
I welcome the Supreme Court’s revised directions on stray dogs, as it marks a progressive step toward balancing animal welfare and public safety. The approach is both compassionate and rooted in scientific reasoning.— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 22, 2025
Maneka Gandhi, former BJP MP and well-known animal rights advocate, also praised the ruling. Speaking to the media, she said the judgment was scientific and welcomed by the animal welfare community.
She also questioned the practicality and reasoning behind the previous order, adding that the reported case of a child’s death was actually due to meningitis, not a dog attack.
“This judgment seems to lack rational thought and stems from anger. Strangely, the order is based on a newspaper report of a child killed by dogs, but the family has confirmed the child died of meningitis,” Maneka said.
BJP leader Vijay Goel expressed support for the court’s approach. “I welcome the Supreme Court’s decision. Firstly, they have said that the MCD will continue catching stray dogs as it has been doing, and after that, sterilisation and vaccination will be carried out. They have also said that any dog suffering from rabies or those involved in biting incidents will be caught on complaint and will not be released. This is a good step.”
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, while acknowledging the sentiments of dog lovers, raised concerns about public safety. “We respect those who love dogs, but stray dogs roaming on streets often cause trouble to people and at times attack elderly women and children,” he said during a press conference.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also weighed in, stating that while dog bites are a serious issue in many parts of the country, sterilisation could offer a practical solution. “There are lakhs of dogs in Delhi. In such a situation, sterilisation can certainly be a good solution because people across the country face problems due to dog bites… In such a case, sterilisation can provide significant relief,” he said.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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