The Supreme Court on Friday eased its earlier restrictions on stray dog management, allowing captured dogs to be released after sterilisation and immunisation, except those suffering from rabies or showing aggressive behaviour.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria expanded the scope of the case beyond Delhi-NCR, directing that the issue be treated pan-India. Notices have been issued to all states and Union territories, with the court planning to evolve a uniform national policy on stray dogs by consolidating similar petitions pending before different high courts.
Municipal bodies in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad must continue mass capture drives, create shelters, and file progress reports. The court further directed that designated feeding zones be set up in every ward, but strictly barred feeding in public spaces, warning violators of legal action.
The bench said municipal staff must not face obstruction in carrying out their duties. NGOs or individuals hindering the process may face a penalty of ₹25,000. Stray dog adoption through municipal bodies has also been permitted.
The order marks a shift from the August 11 directive by another bench that had barred any release of captured strays, sparking protests from animal welfare groups. The new framework balances public safety with statutory requirements under the Animal Birth Control Rules.

Dogs to be released post-sterilisation; only rabid or aggressive strays excluded

SC Eases Stray Dog Order, Expands Pan-India

Dogs to be released post-sterilisation; only rabid or aggressive strays excluded

August 22, 2025 | 11:54 IST