In a landmark shift, the Supreme Court of India has reversed its earlier directive to permanently confine stray dogs in shelters. The updated verdict, delivered on August 22, 2025, strikes a balanced chord between public safety concerns and the rights of street dogs.
What Changed?
A three-judge bench headed by Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N. V. Anjaria ruled that sterilised, vaccinated, and dewormed stray dogs may now be returned to their original localities, reflecting the principles of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. Only dogs displaying aggression or signs of rabies must continue to be kept in shelters.
Nationwide Framework, Local Impact
The court widened the scope of the matter, directing all states and Union Territories to develop a uniform stray dog management policy with designated feeding zones and enhanced ABC infrastructure. Authorities must also establish helplines for reporting violations.
Backlash, Reconsideration, and Relief
The reversal comes after widespread criticism of the August 11 directive, which had called for immediate removal and confinement of strays—triggering protests and logistical concerns due to insufficient shelter capacity.
Support from Animal Welfare Advocates
- Maneka Gandhi praised the verdict as a “scientific judgment,” noting the first major fund injection in decades—₹2,500 crore for ABC programme implementation.
- PETA India celebrated the move, saying, “Every dog has her day,” while urging public vigilance to prevent mislabeling dogs as aggressive.
- Rahul Gandhi and other political figures hailed the ruling as “progressive,” highlighting its humane and scientifically grounded approach.
Public and Community Response
Supporters and animal lovers celebrated across the country:
- At Jantar Mantar, activists cheered the decision and urged swift rollout of sterilisation and designated feeding zones.
- Street feeders in Mysuru reaffirmed their commitment; they clarified that penalties won’t apply to responsible feeding and agreed to monthly coordination meetings to ensure smooth compliance.
Why This Matters
India battles one of the world’s highest rates of stray dog–induced injuries and rabies cases. With over 50 million strays nationwide, imposing a blanket sheltering order was neither practical nor humane. The current decision aligns with the ABC Rules of ethical and effective population management.
