New Delhi, August 22 (HS): The Supreme Court on Friday modified an earlier order of a two-judge bench and allowed the release of stray dogs from shelters in Delhi, subject to mandatory vaccination and sterilisation.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath said the restriction on releasing stray dogs from shelters would be lifted with this condition. However, the Court clarified that canines showing aggressive behaviour or diagnosed with rabies will not be released under any circumstances.

The bench further ruled that stray dogs cannot be fed on public roads. Feeding points must instead be identified and designated by municipal authorities. The Court also indicated that it will hold a detailed hearing to frame a uniform nationwide policy on the stray dog issue.

Earlier, on August 11, a bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala had directed authorities in Delhi-NCR—including the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and NDMC—to rid the streets and residential lanes of stray dogs, ordering that all such animals be picked up and housed in shelters. That ruling invited sharp criticism from animal rights activists, leading Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud to refer the matter to a larger bench. The Court reserved its order on August 14 and delivered its modified direction today.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar