In a significant development on the contentious issue of stray dogs, the Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier directions and allowed the release of sterilised dogs back into their original locations. The apex court’s decision comes as a crucial clarification in the ongoing debate between animal rights activists and civic authorities struggling with rising cases of dog bites across the country.
The bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, stated that sterilisation and vaccination remain the most humane and effective measures to control the stray dog population, in line with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. “Once sterilisation and vaccination are carried out, the dogs can be released back into the same locality. This ensures balance between public safety and animal welfare,” the court observed.
The ruling modifies earlier directions, where confusion had emerged over whether sterilised dogs should be kept in shelters permanently. Civic bodies had raised concerns over the impracticality of housing lakhs of dogs, while animal welfare groups argued that dislocation of dogs from their original areas often leads to territorial fights and defeats the purpose of vaccination drives.
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The court also directed state governments and local authorities to ensure strict compliance with sterilisation and vaccination programmes. It emphasised the need for scientific and well-monitored implementation, urging authorities to allocate funds and strengthen infrastructure for animal birth control projects.
The judgment comes amid increasing reports of stray dog attacks in urban and rural areas, sparking public outcry and demands for stronger action. However, the court reiterated that culling or permanent captivity is not a solution, and a balanced approach is necessary.
Animal welfare organisations welcomed the ruling, saying it reinforces a humane framework, while citizens’ groups expressed cautious optimism, hoping it will lead to effective management of stray populations without compromising public safety.
The case will now move forward with monitoring of compliance reports from states, as the Supreme Court signalled that both animal rights and human safety must go hand in hand in policy implementation.
