The Supreme Court indicated that it will soon issue detailed directions to regulate the feeding of stray dogs within government buildings and institutional premises. A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria observed that the order would be uploaded in the coming days, aiming to bring structured control and clarity over feeding practices in official complexes.
Justice Vikram Nath remarked that the Court would frame specific directions concerning government institutions where employees have been feeding stray dogs within the premises. When Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy, appearing for an intervenor, sought an opportunity to be heard before such directions were passed, the Bench declined the request, clarifying that no further hearing would be granted on this particular aspect.
During the same proceedings, the Court took note of the presence of Chief Secretaries of various States and Union Territories, who were earlier summoned for failing to file compliance affidavits under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The Bench acknowledged that compliance reports have now been filed and dispensed with their personal appearance for future dates, cautioning that any subsequent default would invite strict action.
Additionally, the Animal Welfare Board of India has been impleaded as a respondent in the matter. The Court also allowed the intervention applications filed by victims of dog bites, exempting them from the mandatory security deposit that had been imposed earlier on individuals and organisations seeking to participate in the suo motu case.
The issue traces back to July 28, when the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the growing stray dog menace after a media report titled “In a City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay the Price”, highlighted incidents of dog bites and rabies.
An earlier Bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala had directed the Delhi Government and allied municipal bodies to capture stray dogs and relocate them to shelters, temporarily barring their release. However, after concerns were raised that such directions conflicted with the Animal Birth Control Rules, the matter was reassigned to the present three-judge Bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath.
On August 22, the Bench modified the earlier order, holding that the complete prohibition on releasing treated and vaccinated dogs was “too harsh”. Invoking Rule 11(9) of the ABC Rules, the Court clarified that stray dogs must be released back to the same locality after sterilisation, vaccination, and deworming, except in cases involving rabies infection or aggressive behaviour.
The Court further prohibited unregulated public feeding of stray dogs, directing municipal authorities across India to designate fixed feeding zones and display relevant information. It also reiterated that no individual or organisation shall obstruct authorities from carrying out sterilisation and relocation activities in accordance with law.
The Court emphasised that it will soon issue uniform guidelines regulating the feeding of stray dogs within government institutions, ensuring a consistent and lawful approach across public premises. It further cautioned that any individual or organisation obstructing municipal operations or violating restrictions on public feeding could face legal action.
The Bench also underscored the responsibility of municipal bodies to maintain proper waste management systems in government complexes to prevent the congregation of stray animals. Notably, the Court extended the scope of the matter to a pan-India level, directing all States and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
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