SC ruling: Rabid or Aggressive stray dogs to be sheltered, others released after sterilization

Hyderabad: The Supreme Court, which was hearing the street dog issues, directed all the chief secretaries of all states that stray dogs should be picked up from the streets, must be released after sterilisation and immunisation, with the key exception that dogs infected with rabies or those exhibiting aggressive behaviour are to be kept in shelters and not released back on Friday. This directive modifies an earlier order of 11th August.

A three-judge bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, stayed the previous two-judge bench's direction that had called for the removal of stray dogs without provision for their release. The court also issued notices to the Chief Secretaries of all state governments, broadening the scope of the matter beyond Delhi.

Further, the Apex court has taken a firm position on feeding strays, said, "Under no condition shall the feeding of stray dogs on the streets be permitted." Instead, the court has ordered that municipal authorities must create dedicated feeding areas where citizens can provide food to the dogs, a move aimed at reducing conflicts in public spaces.

During the earlier hearings, the bench asked animal rights activists if they could bring back infants and children who lost their lives to rabies and dog bites. This highlighted the court's effort to balance animal welfare with public health and safety concerns.