The Supreme Court delivered its verdict on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR on Friday. Following a hearing on August 11th, the court had initially ordered the permanent relocation of stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR to dog shelters. A review petition was filed regarding this matter. Today, the court announced its decision, stating that dogs should be released after sterilization. The court also clarified that violent dogs would not be released. It further directed that dogs should not be fed in public places.
The court specified that it was making some revisions to its previous decision and order, and these would now apply across the entire country, not just Delhi-NCR. Notices are being issued to all state governments, and all pending cases in the High Courts are being transferred here. The three-member Supreme Court bench, chaired by Justice Vikram Nath, is hearing the case concerning stray dogs.
The Supreme Court ruled that stray dogs should be vaccinated and returned to the same area from which they were captured. This decision is considered a major victory for dog lovers. The court has ordered the release of captured stray dogs. The initial decision from the Supreme Court had been met with nationwide opposition.
The court has ordered that rabies-infected dogs should be identified and not released. Moreover, rabies-infected dogs roaming outside should be captured and moved to shelter homes.
The Supreme Court has prohibited feeding dogs in public. Separate feeding areas will be established for stray dogs. Numerous incidents have occurred due to such feeding practices. Dog bites have resulted in rabies and several deaths/serious injuries to young children. Therefore, the court has determined that feeding in public poses a risk. The court issued a warning that action will be taken against anyone who feeds dogs in public.
On August 11th, the Supreme Court directed the administration to shift all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelter homes within the next 8 weeks. This order was met with nationwide opposition. Consequently, people requested the court to reconsider the matter. The CJI also indicated that the court would consider the matter. Following this, exactly 10 days later, the Supreme Court has made some revisions to its decision. All captured stray dogs will soon be vaccinated and released.
