Stray Dogs To Be Released, But Conditions Apply: 3/4 Takeaways As Supreme Court Modifies Order

Last Updated:August 22, 2025, 11:42 IST

A larger bench of Supreme Court modified the previous order on the removal of stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR. The court also had message for animal lovers in its order.

Supreme Court stray dog verdict: SC modifies its previous order (PTI Image)

The Supreme Court on Friday stayed its August 11 order that said stray dogs who are picked up in Delhi-NCR must not be released. In a modified order, the top court said that they must be released back to their original places after sterilisation and immunisation.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria pronounced the order on the stray dogs issue after a previous order by a two-judge bench had taken a suo motu cognisance of dog menace in Delhi-NCR and passed an order to round up all stray dogs from the streets and shift them to animal shelters within two months. The order had created an uproar among “animal lovers”, who criticised the SC directive as “inhumane”.

In its latest order issued by the larger bench today, the court has made some observations.

• The dogs that are picked up must be released after sterilisation and immunisation, except those infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour.
• It is illegal to feed stray dogs on the streets and in public places. No public feeding of dogs allowed. Dedicated feeding spaces for stray dogs are to be created in each Municipal ward by the authorities. There have been instances due to such feeding instances.
• Animal lovers can move the application before the MCD for the adoption of dogs.
• Directions in para 13 are reiterated with a modification, where any public or organisation shall not obstruct such services. Dog lovers and NGOs shall deposit Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh with the registrar.

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Ashesh Mallick

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes…Read More

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes… Read More

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