Supreme Court three-judge bench modifies stray dogs order: sterilised dogs to be released, feeding only at designated spots
A three-judge Supreme Court bench on 22 August 2025 modified its 11 August order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, directing that picked-up dogs be sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated and released back to the same area, except rabid or aggressive dogs.
Summary
A three-judge Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria on 22 August 2025 modified the court's 11 August 2025 suo motu directions that required civic authorities in Delhi-NCR to capture stray dogs and keep them in shelters. The bench kept the bar on releasing picked-up strays in abeyance and directed that the dogs be sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated and released back to the same area, noting that an absolute bar would run contrary to Rule 11(19) of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. Dogs infected or suspected to be infected with rabies and those showing aggressive behaviour are not to be released. Municipal authorities must create dedicated feeding spaces in each municipal ward, feeding on the streets is not permitted, and each municipal authority must set up a helpline for reporting violations. The court also widened the matter beyond Delhi-NCR by impleading all States and UTs.
Key facts
- Date
- 22 Aug 2025
- Bench
- Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, N.V. Anjaria
- Modified
- Suo motu order of 11 Aug 2025 (Delhi-NCR strays)
- New rule
- Sterilise, deworm, vaccinate and release to the same area
- Exception
- Rabid/suspected rabid and aggressive dogs not to be released
- Feeding
- Dedicated feeding spaces in each municipal ward; no street feeding
- Law cited
- Rule 11(19), Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023
- Scope
- All States and UTs impleaded
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which judge headed the three-judge Supreme Court bench that modified the stray dogs order on 22 August 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Justice Vikram Nath
The three-judge bench was led by Justice Vikram Nath, with Justices Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria.
While modifying the stray dogs order in August 2025, the Supreme Court noted that an absolute bar on releasing picked-up dogs would run contrary to Rule 11(19) of which rules?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023
The bench noted that an absolute prohibition on release would run contrary to Rule 11(19) of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The Supreme Court's stray dogs order of 22 August 2025 modified directions it had issued on which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 11 August 2025
The bench modified the court's suo motu directions of 11 August 2025, which it termed too harsh.
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's stray dogs order of 22 August 2025: 1. Dogs suspected to be infected with rabies may be released back after sterilisation and immunisation. 2. Municipal authorities must create dedicated feeding spaces for stray dogs in each municipal ward. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: dogs infected or suspected to be infected with rabies, and aggressive dogs, are to be sterilised and immunised but not released back onto the streets. Statement 2 is correct: municipal authorities must create dedicated feeding spaces in each municipal ward.