Stray dogs must be sterilised, vaccinated, and dewormed, and then released back to the same area
Digital Desk: In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India on 22nd August 22 modified its earlier directive regarding the handling of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, issuing a nationwide order with several new stipulations aimed at striking a balance between public safety and animal welfare.
Here are the latest Supreme Court order, the following are the top five takeaways:-
1) No Public Feeding: Feeding of stray dogs in public places is strictly prohibited. Civic bodies have been instructed to identify and establish designated feeding zones within each municipal ward. Any violation will invite legal action.
2) Nationwide Scope: Unlike the earlier August 8 order, which was limited to Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court has expanded the order’s reach across India, issuing notices to all Chief Secretaries of states and union territories.
3) Sterilisation and Re-release: Stray dogs must be sterilised, vaccinated, and dewormed, and then released back to the same area. However, dogs diagnosed with rabies or displaying aggressive behavior must be kept in shelters after immunisation.
4) Adoption Allowed: The court has permitted individuals and organisations to adopt stray dogs. Once adopted, it becomes the adopter's responsibility to ensure that the dogs are not released back onto the streets.
5) Fines and Responsibility: The Court ruled that NGOs and intervenors who challenged the earlier order must deposit ₹25,000 to ₹2 lakh with the court registrar. Advocate Vivek Sharma clarified that this fine is not for the general public but will be used for dog welfare initiatives.
The aim of this ruling is to create a humane and systematic procedure with regard to management of stray dog and the protection of the exclusion of public places and health risks.
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