SC order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR: Supreme Court bans public feeding of canines | As it happened

Congress leader Abhishek Dutt says, "Many thanks to the Supreme Court for giving a very good judgment and this was also the rule... During my tenure at the Municipal Corporation, we would raise the issue in the House: how could the MCD sterilise stray dogs without staff? In the last 12-14 years, MCD has spent crores of rupees in the name of sterilisation – it was a very big scam. The dog that has rabies or is aggressive should definitely be removed. But the one is not doing anything to anyone, where will you take them?... If the Supreme Court had not taken an interest in this, there would have been so many issues in Delhi. The police picked up the protesters and beat them in the last 14-15 days and tortured the women... The MCD, which sterilises by injecting water, should also be investigated to find out how many crores of rupees these officers have swindled in the name of these innocent dogs. Very strong action should be taken on that too..."

BJP leader Vijay Goel says, "I welcome the SC decision. The judgment mentions that MCD will continue its work of establishing shelter homes and sterilisation of stray dogs. The court has also said that dogs can be fed at designated spots only."

Advocate of petitioner Vivek Sharma says, “The observation (of imposing fine) of Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh in the order is meant for NGOs and intervenors who intervened in the suo motu matter, not for common people. The purpose of it can be understood by going through the order. These funds will be used for the welfare of dogs.”

Lawyer and petitioner Nanita Sharma says, "It is a good order which clearly states that the dogs need to be released back after sterilisation. The dogs have to be looked after by the authorities. I appeal to the authorities to be a bit more humane..."

Lawyer and petitioner Nanita Sharma says, "It is a good order which clearly states that the dogs need to be released back after sterilisation. The dogs have to be looked after by the authorities. I appeal to the authorities to be a bit more humane..."

Nikunj Sharma, CEO, Mercy For Animals India Foundation, "Supreme Court today has ruled that the street dogs will be picked up to be sterilised and then released back in their respective areas. The court has listed this matter after 8 weeks."

Sonali Gaba, who runs a shelter home for dogs, says, "We had faith that the SC would rule in our favour. You can't say that any and every dog is aggressive; there should be proof. We are happy with the SC order. We are happy that the court has ruled on creating designated feeding areas for dogs."

Lawyer and petitioner Nanita Sharma says, "This is a balanced order. The court has involved all states in this case. All matters regarding dog issues pending in all courts in all states will be brought under one. They have said that regular dogs should be sterilised and aggressive dogs should be put in pounds/ animal shelters. The court has ruled that MCD will establish designated feeding areas for dogs."

The Supreme Court has revised its earlier directive on stray dogs, allowing them to be released from shelters after vaccination and returned to their original locations. Click here to read more. 

Municipal authorities shall comply with para 12, 12.1 and 12.2, prohibition on release of strays shall be stayed. They shall be dewormed, vaccinated etc and sent back to the same area, says Supreme Court.

The dogs with rabies or aggressive behaviour shall not be released. No public feeding of dogs allowed. Dedicated feeding spaces of stray dogs to be created. There have been instances due to such feeding instances, says Justice Vikram Nath.

Those dogs with aggressive behaviour or with rabies shall be immunised, says Justice Vikram Nath.

All similar matters shall be transferred to this court for a final national policy. After the last hearing, we have suggested some modifications, says Justice Vikram Nath.

The Supreme Court has started pronouncing its verdict in the case.

To find a balanced path, India TV launched a public campaign asking viewers to suggest solutions that are both humane and practical. We cannot simply leave the dogs on the streets, but we also cannot let them die. Where should they be kept? How should they be cared for? Citizens from across the country are responding in large numbers, sharing thoughtful suggestions and proposals. Click here to read.

The Supreme Court also observed that 25,000 dog bite cases were reported in Delhi in 2024.

Earlier, the court had observed that dog bites directly infringe the fundamental rights of citizens under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21 of the Constitution.

During the hearing on August 14, the Supreme Court had blamed 'inaction' by the local authorities for the 'whole problem' of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.  

Widespread protests had erupted in Delhi-NCR after the Supreme Court ordered the relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelter houses.

The Supreme Court will deliver its order on Friday, August 22 on a plea seeking a stay on its August 11 directive to permanently relocate stray dogs from the streets to shelters in Delhi-NCR. Click here to read more. 

The Supreme Court had reserved its order on stray dogs on August 14. 

 A three-judge bench of the top court, which includes Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria, will pronounce its verdict.

The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR shortly.