Supreme Court / Sterilization-feeding, fines... SC's decision on stray dogs for the whole country

Supreme Court: The Supreme Court on Friday, 22 August 2025 gave an important verdict in the case of stray dogs. A three-member bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath announced a new policy regarding stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and across the country. This decision has come with an amendment to the order given on August 11, 2025, in which the court had directed to permanently send the stray dogs of Delhi-NCR to dog shelters.

Sterilization and release

The court said in its latest decision that stray dogs will be released back after sterilization and vaccination. However, violent and rabies infected dogs will not be released. The court clarified that dogs affected by rabies will be identified and kept in shelter homes.

Ban on feeding in public places

The Supreme Court has imposed a complete ban on feeding stray dogs in public places. The court believes that feeding in the open increases aggression in the behavior of dogs, which has led to incidents of dog bites, risk of rabies and serious injuries or deaths of small children. The court has warned that action will be taken against those who provide food in public places. Instead, separate feeding places will be created for stray dogs.

Formation of national policy

The court has ordered the formulation of a national policy to deal with the problem of stray dogs. Notices will be issued to all state governments to implement this policy. Also, all such cases pending in the High Courts across the country will be transferred to the Supreme Court.

Directions for animal lovers and NGOs

The Supreme Court has directed animal lovers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to make financial contributions for the maintenance of dog shelters. Each animal lover will have to deposit Rs 25,000 and each NGO will have to deposit Rs 2 lakh. This amount will be used for the operation of the shelter home and the care of the dogs.

Amendment in August 11 decision

On August 11, the Supreme Court had ordered to shift all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelter homes within 8 weeks. There were protests across the country against this decision, after which a review petition was filed. The Chief Justice (CJI) had promised to reconsider the matter. In today's decision, the court amended its previous order and said that the dogs will be released back after sterilization and vaccination.