India’s Supreme Court Reverses Course on Stray Dog Relocation After Public Outcry
New Delhi, India – India’s Supreme Court has significantly modified its earlier directive regarding the handling of stray dogs in Delhi and surrounding areas, responding to widespread protests from animal welfare organizations. The court now mandates that stray dogs be vaccinated and sterilized before being released back into their original environments, with exceptions made for animals exhibiting rabies or aggressive behavior.
The initial order, issued on August 11, had sparked considerable controversy by instructing authorities to round up all stray dogs and house them in shelters. This directive was met with immediate resistance from animal rights groups, who argued it contradicted established protocols and raised concerns about overcrowding and potential culling.
From Round-Up to Release: A Shift in Strategy
The initial concern stemmed from a perceived increase in dog bites and the associated risk of rabies in Delhi and its suburbs – Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. Municipal sources estimate Delhi’s stray dog population at approximately one million, with neighboring areas also experiencing a rise. This prompted a two-judge bench to express alarm over the growing “menace,” leading to the original order.
However, the Supreme Court recognized the validity of the concerns raised by animal welfare advocates. Following a significant backlash, a three-judge bench was convened to review the situation. On Friday, the court stayed the previous order, opting for a more nuanced approach.
According to the revised ruling, “non-aggressive, non-infected dogs” will be released back to where they were captured after undergoing vaccination and neutering. The court also opened the door for adoption, stating that animal lovers can apply to municipal corporations to adopt strays, but these animals will not be permitted to return to the streets.
Feeding Restrictions and a National Policy in the Works
The court did not shy away from addressing public safety concerns. It issued a ban on feeding stray dogs in public spaces, mandating the establishment of designated feeding areas. Furthermore, the court warned against interference with its orders, stating that action would be taken against those found violating the new regulations.
India bears a significant burden of rabies-related deaths globally, accounting for 36% of the total, according to the World Health Organization. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive solution, the Supreme Court announced its intention to formulate a national policy regarding stray dogs, taking into account similar cases currently pending in other states.
A “Balanced” Ruling, But Clarity Needed
The revised ruling has been largely welcomed by animal welfare groups. Alokparna Sengupta, director of Humane World for Animals India, described the decision as “balanced, structured and compassionate.” However, she emphasized the importance of establishing clear, scientifically-backed criteria for identifying “aggressive dogs” to prevent misuse of the order and ensure animals are not unjustly confined.
“We need a clear criteria, based on scientific data, to be established to identify ‘aggressive dogs’ so that the court’s order is not misused to capture and confine dogs without justification or based on personal prejudice,” Sengupta stated.
The Supreme Court’s evolving stance on this issue underscores the complex challenges of balancing public health concerns with animal welfare considerations in a country with a massive stray dog population.
