Supreme Court stays order on relocation of dogs in Delhi-NCR, allows release after sterilisation | Verdict Key Points

PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court has stayed the order from August 11 directing the picking up and relocation of stray dogs and localities in Delhi-NCR.

The apex court stayed its earlier August 11 directive mandating the permanent relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters, ruling instead that the animals must be released back after sterilisation and immunisation—except in cases where they are rabid or display aggressive behaviour.

A special three-Judge Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria delivered the ruling, clarifying that its earlier order was interim in nature and that the issue has been given pan-India scope by impleading all states and Union Territories. The Bench also said all similar cases pending before high courts will now be transferred to the Supreme Court to enable the formulation of a comprehensive national policy on stray dogs.

During last week’s hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had supported the move to regulate stray dogs, citing alarming data—3.7 million dog-bite cases annually (about 10,000 incidents per day) and 305 reported rabies deaths, with the World Health Organisation estimating the actual toll to be much higher.

Pronouncing the order, Justice Nath directed that public feeding of stray dogs would not be allowed, but dedicated feeding zones must be created. He also emphasised that no person or organisation should obstruct civic authorities from carrying out sterilisation and vaccination drives.

Further, the Supreme Court ruled that individuals or NGOs seeking to intervene in the matter must deposit money with the court registrar—Rs 25,000 for individuals and Rs 2 lakh for organisations.

Supreme Court Verdict Key Points

• The August 11 two-judge bench order is supplemented; directions in Paragraph 12 to be compiled together.
• Stray dogs can be released after sterilisation and vaccination, except those suspected of rabies or showing aggressive behaviour, who must be retained.
• Municipal Corporation of Delhi to set up designated feeding zones in each ward; feeding outside these areas prohibited with legal action against violators.
• MCD to establish a helpline number for reporting violations.
• Any obstruction of public servants performing their duties will attract legal liability.
• Animal lovers allowed to apply to MCD for adopting stray dogs.
• Notices issued to Animal Husbandry Departments, States, UTs, and Secretaries for nationwide compliance with ABC Rules.
• Registry to collect details of similar petitions in High Courts; all such cases to be transferred to Supreme Court for unified adjudication.

- With inputs from agencies

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