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The Supreme Court on Friday (August 22) modified its earlier August 11 order on stray animals, clarifying how local authorities must handle community dogs. The court ruled that stray dogs should be released back into their original neighbourhoods after sterilisation and vaccination. However, those infected with rabies or showing aggressive behaviour must be kept in separate facilities for treatment and monitoring.
The revised order also addressed feeding practices. The court prohibited public feeding of dogs in random locations but directed municipal authorities to establish designated feeding areas within every ward. This aims to balance the safety of residents with the welfare of stray animals. Furthermore, the court stated that animal lovers may apply to adopt stray dogs through the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), offering a structured path for those who wish to provide shelter.
Also Read: SC Revised Stray Dogs Ruling: Why Rahul Gandhi Calls It a Progressive Step
Actor-comedian Vir Das was among the first public figures to react. Taking to X, he thanked the judiciary for upholding empathy in policymaking.
“Thank you to the Supreme Court of India for supporting the process of sterilization, vaccination, and a safe return of our community dogs to their neighborhoods,” Das wrote.
He further urged authorities to act quickly, stressing that the next step must be the creation of feeding zones across Delhi and other cities. In his post, Das also encouraged collaboration between civic bodies, dog trainers, and behaviourists to help in “behavioural modification and community integration.”
Animal welfare groups have long advocated sterilisation and vaccination as humane methods of controlling the stray dog population. India is home to nearly 6.2 crore stray dogs (according to the 2019 State of Pet Homelessness Report), and large cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru face challenges with dog bites, rabies control, and community disputes.
By mandating sterilisation and immunisation before release, the court aims to reduce the risk of disease and prevent uncontrolled breeding. Experts believe that consistent sterilisation campaigns could lower stray numbers significantly within a decade.
One of the most debated issues has been public feeding of dogs in residential colonies, which often leads to clashes between animal lovers and residents. The Supreme Court’s directive for designated feeding areas seeks to address this. By confining feeding to specific zones, the plan reduces conflict while ensuring dogs still receive nutrition and care.
Municipal corporations have been asked to identify safe spots, away from heavy traffic and sensitive public spaces, where volunteers can feed stray animals. This is expected to bring order and reduce instances of dogs loitering in unsafe areas.
The order is being seen as a landmark for balancing human safety and animal rights. It reflects an attempt to manage stray dogs without resorting to cruelty or culling, which animal rights activists have opposed for decades.
For pet advocates like Vir Das, the ruling represents a humane step forward. His call for behavioural training also highlights the need to help dogs adjust better in urban environments, making them less likely to be aggressive or fearful.
With over 20,000 rabies deaths annually in India, the issue of stray dog management remains urgent. The Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces sterilisation, vaccination, and structured feeding as the way forward. Meanwhile, voices like Vir Das amplify the importance of empathy and civic action in making communities safer for both people and animals.
