The Supreme Court has modified its previous order regarding stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), now mandating that stray dogs be released back into the same localities after undergoing sterilization and immunization. This amends the August 11 order that directed civic authorities to capture all stray dogs and confine them to shelters within 6-8 weeks. The recent ruling clarifies that this directive will not apply to dogs infected with rabies or those displaying aggressive behavior. Such animals are to be kept in separate facilities.

This decision comes after a special three-judge bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria, had reserved its order on August 14 after considering interim pleas challenging the initial directive. The court's initial order to remove stray dogs from all localities and relocate them to shelters sparked outrage, leading to the reassignment of the case to the three-judge bench.

The Supreme Court has also expanded the scope of the issue nationwide, impleading all states and Union Territories as parties and transferring similar pending pleas from different High Courts to the apex court. This aims to formulate a comprehensive national policy to address the issue of stray dogs. The Secretaries of the Department of Animal Husbandry in all states and Union Territories have been asked to respond regarding the framing of a national policy.

Furthermore, the court addressed the matter of feeding stray dogs, stating that public feeding will not be allowed. Instead, municipal authorities are directed to create dedicated feeding spaces within municipal wards. Action will be taken against individuals found feeding dogs on the streets. Notice boards will be placed near designated feeding areas to inform the public that stray dogs should only be fed in these locations. Civic bodies will determine the location of feeding areas based on the population and concentration of stray dogs in each municipal ward.

Animal lovers are permitted to apply for the adoption of stray dogs, but they will be responsible for ensuring that the dogs are not returned to the streets. Individual petitioners and NGOs that have approached the court are required to deposit Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh, respectively.

Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh welcomed the decision, stating that the corporation would implement it fully. He added that ferocious and aggressive dogs that have developed the habit of biting should be treated and kept. BJP leader Vijay Goel also welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, noting that the MCD will continue catching stray dogs for sterilization and vaccination, and that dogs suffering from rabies or involved in biting incidents will be caught and not released. Sonali Gaba, who runs a shelter home for dogs, expressed happiness with the order, stating that there should be proof of a dog's aggressive behavior before it is deemed dangerous.